AOC, AOP, IGP... These are the designations you often find on your wine bottles. But what are the differences between all these labels? How are they different?
AOC or AOP wines?
The controlled designation of origin (AOC) appeared in France in the mid-1930s. Its purpose was to fight fraud and protect the name of the wine, its characteristics, and the specificities linked to a defined terroir. The AOC is the most prestigious of the French designations and follows a very strict specification. Its mission is to defend the regional typicities of wines and the viticultural and oenological practices that conform to local customs. It thus controls the location of cultivation, the grape varieties used, yields per hectare, winemaking techniques, as well as alcohol levels. This designation is the most demanding and, theoretically, also the highest quality. The AOP label is issued by the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality).
The AOP
The protected designation of origin (AOP) is a designation introduced in 2009. It differs from the AOC by its recognition at the European level. Indeed, the AOP is the European equivalent of the AOC. For a wine to obtain the AOP designation, it must first obtain the AOC designation. In total, 375 wines in France hold the AOC designation according to INAO. This represents an area of 441,200 hectares of vineyards and no less than 21.5 million hectoliters marketed. Including French spirits (eaux-de-vie, rums...), this number rises to 473 AOCs.
The IGP (Protected Geographical Indication)
Created in 1992, the IGP is a European denomination. It replaced in 2009 the French designation "Vins de Pays" created in 1968. These country wines aimed to promote wine production from a specific geographical area (Côtes-de-Gascogne, Pays-d'Oc, Val-de-Loire...). The IGP, like the AOC, has a specification to respect but it is more open and flexible. It protects wines for which at least one stage of cultivation or winemaking takes place in the geographical area related to the designation. The geographical area is therefore broader. The vine cultivation methods as well as winemaking methods are less restrictive. The IGP gives more freedom to winemakers. In France, there are 74 IGP wines grouped into three types: regional IGPs, departmental IGPs, and small zones. IGP wines represent one-third of French wine production.
French Wines
Formerly called "table wines," the designation Vin de France is considered the most open of the designations. Indeed, this designation does not have a precise geographical indication and is subject to very free regulations. Free both in terms of wine production since it can be blended from grapes from different regions, origins, and vintages up to 15%. And free in terms of displayed information: the mention of all grape varieties and especially the vintage is not mandatory. It is a designation that gives more freedom to winemakers. They are not bound by a strict specification. Wines produced under this designation allow many winemakers to showcase forgotten grape varieties and to give free rein to their creativity.
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