What is an Appellation?

Many years ago, there was quite a market for fraudulent French agricultural products. The government responded by implementing the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system. This seal of approval (often abbreviated “AOC”) ensures that products like wine, spirits, and cheese were made according to rigorous standards, both legal and gastronomic.

Specially trained (and very lucky) wine tasters are employed to uphold these standards by evaluating not just the quality of each bottle, but also how well it reflects its terroir: the “sense of place” perceptible in a well-made wine.

Climate, sun exposition, and soil composition are some factors that contribute to terroir, and in the Rhône Valley, nearly every one of these factors is regulated by the AOC. There are AOC rules regarding where vineyards are located, which grapes are used, how the fruit is grown, how high the yields are, and on and on. So, thanks to the AOC system, a label that simply reads “Hermitage” can actually convey a wealth of highly specific information about what’s in the bottle.

Rhône Valley appellations are divided into four tiers, with the celebrated “Crus” holding the top spot:

There are two more tiers of wine in the Rhône Valley. Vin de Pays wines may be produced within the boundaries of an AOC such as the Côtes du Rhône, but without following all of the AOC rules: the grapes might come from high-yield vineyards, for example. These “country wines” are excellent with rustic dishes. Wines that do not conform to AOC or Vin de Pays regulations are sold as Vin de Table, or “vin ordinaire.” This simple style of wine, enjoyed nightly at dinner tables all over the nation, is a vital part of French culture.

It should be noted that a “basic” Côtes du Rhône AOC wine is usually anything but basic in character. Broad regional wine denominations can sometimes produce lackluster bottles, but the Côtes du Rhône is famously free of any such “lowest common denominator” mentality. There is no region in the world with more talented, dynamic, and exciting winemakers.

This helps to explain the phenomenal popularity of these wines. Great restaurants all over the world choose Côtes du Rhône, or Côtes du Rhône-Villages, as their “house red.” The wines are consistently well-made, and they pair well with any food you throw at them.
Côtes du Rhône wines are proof that the AOC system works, so if you’re the least bit curious about a bottle, have no fear; it will be great. And given the versatility of these wines, it will go well with your dinner, too.