What is Appellation?
A legally defined wine-growing region with specific rules about grape varieties and winemaking.
Understanding Appellation
An appellation is a legally defined geographic area for wine production, with regulations governing grape varieties, yields, winemaking practices, and labeling. France's AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system is the model, but most wine countries have equivalent systems: Italy's DOC/DOCG, Spain's DO, Germany's Prädikat, and America's AVA. Appellations guarantee geographic origin and often indicate style and quality expectations.
Why It Matters
Appellations help you understand what you're buying. A wine labeled "Champagne" must come from Champagne, France, made by specific methods. This provides quality assurance.
Examples
- 1Only sparkling wine from Champagne, France can be called Champagne
- 2Napa Valley AVA indicates wine from that specific region
- 3Brunello di Montalcino requires 100% Sangiovese
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"A legally defined wine-growing region with specific rules about grape varieties and winemaking."
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