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What does AOC mean?
Until the EU wine market reform of 2009, the abbreviation AOC was the designation for the highest level of the quality system in France and means "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" (controlled designation of origin). Although the new designation "Appellation d'Origine Protégée" (AOP - protected designation of origin) has officially applied since then, AOC can still be used.
AOC wines must come from a clearly defined geographical area, which can range from a single vineyard to one or more wine-growing communities to an entire region. In addition, they must meet strict quality requirements in terms of authorised grape varieties, cultivation, yield, harvesting and ageing.