The French Wine Regions

Here are some terms you may come across if you decide to explore the world of french wine.

• An appellation is the identifying name of a wine - often a geographical place where the grapes for a wine are grown. This isn't a french term (it was first used in Hungary).


• Terroir is originally a french term, and is used for wine, but also coffee and tea. Terroir refers to a combination of factors (such as climate, type of soil, location) that make the particular vineyard unique. It's tied closely with Appellation d'origine contrôlée (see below).


• Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) means literally "controlled term of origin" and is a kind of certification granted by the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO) (a french government organisation responsible for regulating wine processing); it's applied not only to wines, but to cheese and butter as well. Think of it as a government certification which guarantees high quality. You'll find the AOC designation on the most expensive and exclusive wines.


• Négociants are wine merchants who buy grapes/wines (in different stages of 'wine completion') off smaller growers, making their own blends and selling the wine under their own label.


• As a very general rule, wines in France are named after the location of the vineyard - with the exception of Alsace wines, which are named after the type of grape.

The classification of wines in France is based on a strict (and confusing) set of criteria, and the labelling of wines and terminology will vary from region to region.

The classifications should be used as a guide only - there are some excellent 'lower' classification wines, and some of the higher classification wines may not always be what they're cracked up to be.

• Grand Cru or Premier Cru are the top wines; (cru means 'growth').


• Cru Classé is for the top quality wines, but only used in a few areas including Bordeaux.


• VDQS ( Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure) - the second highest classification - superior quality wine and also controlled by the INAO.


• Vin de Pays - is a higher quality table wine.


• Vin de Table - the basic french table wine. This is what you might be served in a carafe (pitcher) at family restaurants. Although it can be the cheapest, you can also drink some very good wine in this category.

September/October is harvest time, and many vineyards are closed to visitors so it is best to avoid these months.

The best time to go would be spring or early summer - April, May or early June; July/August is fine but the more popular french wine regions can get very busy.