French wines are classified according to different appellation systems, which recognize the quality, provenance and specific characteristics of each wine. The main French wine classification systems is this: 1. AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée): The AOC is the most important appellation system in France. It establishes strict production rules and criteria for wines from a specific region or geographic area. Each AOC has specific rules and restrictions on grape varieties, cultivation methods, grape yield and winemaking techniques.
2. Vin de Pays , an appellation one level lower than AOC. These wines are produced in larger geographic areas than AOCs and have more flexible production rules. However, Vin de Pays wines are always regulated by origin and quality criteria.
3. Vin de France , the simplest and least restrictive classification. Vin de France wines are generally less tied to a specific region and more accessible in terms of price and style. This system is intertwined with other specific classification systems valid for some regions and types of wine, which specify yields, methods of production, blends and refinements.