There are certain base clasification of wines in France, we’re briefly describing each of them:
- table wines – Vin de France – the former Vin de table – as the name suggests mass-produced, most unadulterated wines in France.
- regional wine – Indication géographique protégée (IGP), replaces the category Vin de pays – the regional wines are commonly associated with mono-varietal wine type originating in the region indicated in the name.
- VDQS class wines – wines from the distinguished precincts which have not yet reached the status of an autonomous appellation of origin, but demonstrate an aspiration to obtain the AOP
- quality wines (with a registered designation of origin) – Appellation d’origine protégée (AOP). The former AOC category is gradually replaced by the AOP classification.
The criteria for obtaining the AOP certificate are more stringent. The AOP identifies the product, guarantees the characteristics of cultivation of the soil, the know-how of the farmer or winemaker as well as the manufacturing specifications. An IGP is an identification referring to the geographical origin of the wine.
In Provencal gegion we can distinguish following appellations:
AOP:
- Bandol
- Le Baux-de-Provence
- Bellet
- Cassis
- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
- Coteaux Varois
- Cotes de Provence
- Cotes de Provence-Frejus
- Cotes La Londe
- Cotes de Provence-Ste-Victorie
- Palette
IGP:
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- Alpes-Maritimes-Alpilles
- Bouches-du-Rhone
- Hautes-Alpes
- Maures
- Mediterranee
- Mont Caume
- Var
Our interest would be also in the Luberon area, which has recently established itself as an official part of the Rhon wine region. To abandon this district is like renouncing icing or sugar on a doughnut.
/The wines have the vintage designated on the bottle. The manufacturer may include information which is not obligatory but which states or at least should indicate the quality of the beverage in the bottle. For example, Grand Cru or Grand Cru Classe belongs to the vine aristocracy. These are exceptional wines. Typically. Reserve, Grande Reserve or Cuvee speciale – convey the uniqueness of a given vintage on the vineyard. The bottles can as well be numbered. However, frequently the best wines, which are the fewest – those shrouded in mystery, are not intended for sale. You can either receive them as a gift or hosted in this way. /