A Guide to French Wine Appellations

When it comes to wine, France sets the gold standard. But with over 300 official wine appellations, French wine labels can feel like a puzzle. Fear not! We’re here to break it all down – simply, clearly, and without the fuss. From the prestigious Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy to the everyday charm of a Vin de France, this guide will help you understand what all those terms on the label really mean.

French wine classifications

French wines are classified by Geographical Indications (GIs), which tell you where the grapes were grown and, in many cases, how the wine was made. The EU recognises two main categories:

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) – “Appellation d’Origine Protégée” (AOP)
This is the highest level of classification, covering wines from strictly defined regions with strict rules on grape varieties, winemaking methods, and ageing. In France, PDO wines are typically labeled under the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) system.

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) – “Indication Géographique Protégée” (IGP)
A step down from PDO, PGI wines follow fewer rules, giving winemakers more flexibility. These wines still come from a specific region but allow for more modern winemaking techniques and international grape varieties.

Now, let’s break down these classifications further.

Understanding French wine labels: AOC, IGP & Vin de France

Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOC) – The gold standard
AOC wines are at the top of the French classification system. Each AOC follows strict guidelines, dictating everything from the grape varieties to the minimum ageing period. The idea? Protect tradition and ensure quality.

Think of AOC wines like a protected recipe – they have to be made a certain way in a specific place. If a wine is labeled Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, for example, you can be sure it was produced in that region under precise rules.

Vin de Pays (IGP) – The bridge between tradition & innovation
IGP wines offer winemakers more freedom than AOCs. While they still come from a specific region, the rules aren’t as strict, meaning producers can experiment with different grape varieties and winemaking styles.

For example, a Languedoc IGP wine could include grapes that wouldn’t be allowed in a strictly regulated Languedoc AOC wine.

Vin de France – The most flexible category
At the bottom of the hierarchy (but still producing some excellent wines), Vin de France wines don’t have to come from a specific region. This means winemakers can blend grapes from different parts of France and focus on creativity rather than regulations.

The AOC hierarchy: From local to legendary

Not all AOCs are created equal. There’s a hierarchy within them, ranging from broad regions to the most prestigious single vineyards:

1. Sub-Regional Appellation
Covers a large area and includes multiple smaller appellations. Example: Bordeaux AOC.

2. Village Appellation
More specific than a sub-region, covering wines from a single village or small area. Example: Pommard AOC (Burgundy).

3. Premier Cru
A step up in quality, often referring to specific vineyard plots within a village that are considered superior. Example: Chablis Premier Cru AOC.

4. Grand Cru
The top of the pyramid! These are the best vineyards, producing the most prestigious (and often priciest) wines. Example: Château Margaux Grand Cru (Bordeaux).

How many French appellations are there?

France boasts over 300 AOCs, spread across 12 major wine regions. Here’s a breakdown:

REGION:	NUMBER OF AOCs:
Champagne	1
Alsace	3
Burgundy	150
Jura & Savoie	8
Beaujolais	12
Rhône Valley	30
Provence	9
Corsica	9
Languedoc-Roussillon	12
South-West France	4
Bordeaux	53
Loire Valley	51

How to read a French wine label

French wine labels might seem complicated, but they usually follow this format:

1. Name of the wine or producer – Château Margaux, Domaine Leflaive, etc.

2. Appellation (AOC/IGP/Vin de France) – This tells you where the wine comes from and its classification.

3. Vintage (year of harvest) – Important for ageing potential.

4. Alcohol percentage & volume (ABV) – Required by law.

5. Additional notes – Some bottles might mention – Mis en bouteille au Château (bottled at the estate).

French wine appellation FAQs

What was the first wine appellation in France?
The first official AOC was Châteauneuf-du-Pape, established in 1936.

What is the smallest appellation in France?
The La Romanée AOC in Burgundy, covering just 0.85 hectares – about the size of a football pitch!

What is the largest appellation in France?
The Bordeaux AOC, covering around 111,000 hectares of vineyards.

What’s the difference between Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux?
• Left Bank (Médoc & Graves) – Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, producing powerful, tannic wines which age really well.
• Right Bank (Pomerol & Saint-Émilion) – Merlot-heavy, making softer, rounder wines with plush fruit flavours.

What’s the difference between Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône?
• Northern Rhône – Mostly Syrah, producing structured, peppery wines (e.g., Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie).
• Southern Rhône – Blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, making fuller, fruitier wines (e.g. Châteauneuf-du-Pape).

French wine classifications may seem daunting at first, but once you understand the basics, they become a roadmap to quality and style. Whether you’re picking up a Grand Cru Burgundy or a Vin de France Merlot, knowing these terms will help you navigate the world of French wine with confidence.