AOC, AOP, IGP... These are the designations you often find on your wine bottles. But what are the differences between all these designations? How do they differ?
AOC or AOP wines?
The Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) was introduced in France in the mid-1930s. Its purpose was to combat fraud and protect the name of the wine, its characteristics, and the specific features linked to a defined terroir. The AOC is the most prestigious of the French designations and follows very strict specifications. Its mission is to defend the regional characteristics of wines and the viticultural and oenological practices that comply with local customs. It therefore controls the location of cultivation, the grape varieties used, yields per hectare, winemaking techniques, and alcohol content. This designation is the most demanding and, in theory, also the highest-quality. The AOP designation is awarded by the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality).
AOP
The protected designation of origin (AOP) was introduced in 2009. It is different from the AOC because it is recognized at European level. In fact, the AOP is the European equivalent of the AOC. For a wine to receive the AOP designation, it must first obtain the AOC designation. In total, 375 wines in France have the AOC designation, according to the INAO. This represents an area of 441,200 hectares of vineyards and no fewer than 21.5 million hectolitres marketed. Including French spirits (brandy, rum, etc.), this figure rises to 473 AOCs.
IGP (Protected Geographical Indication)
Created in 1992, the IGP is a European designation. In 2009, it replaced the French designation "Vins de Pays", created in 1968. These country wines were intended to promote wine production from a specific geographical area (Côtes-de-Gascogne, Pays-d'Oc, Val-de-Loire, etc.). Like the AOC, the IGP has specifications that must be followed, but they are more open and flexible. It protects wines for which at least one stage of cultivation or winemaking takes place in the geographical area associated with the designation. The geographical area is therefore larger. Vine-growing and winemaking methods are less restrictive. The IGP gives winemakers more freedom. In France, there are 74 IGP wines, grouped into three types: regional IGPs, departmental IGPs, and IGPs from small areas. IGP wines account for one-third of French wine production.
French Wines
Formerly called "table wines", the Vin de France designation is considered the most open of all designations. This designation has no specific geographical indication and is subject to very flexible regulations. It offers freedom in the production of the wine, as it can be blended from grapes from different regions, origins, and vintages by up to 15%. It also offers freedom regarding the information displayed: listing all grape varieties, and especially the vintage, is not mandatory. This designation gives winemakers more freedom. They are not constrained by demanding specifications. Wines produced under this designation allow many winemakers to introduce wines made from forgotten grape varieties and give free rein to their ingenuity.
Want to discover AOC wines from our regions?
Discover Tournée en AOC. The only wine gift box in the form of a tour that lets you taste 12 French wines made under the AOC designation. A 100% blind tasting for a unique and fun experience. We offer you a tour of France through the wines of our finest wine-growing regions. We also hope to surprise you with our exceptional wines selected by our sommelier Thierry Dorge.
