What is a Wine Appellations or American Viticultural Area?
- Instead of Appellations, the United States uses the term American Viticultural Areas or AVA for short.
- AVAs are “official” grape growing regions that have been designated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
- When an AVA is on the wine bottle’s label, 85% of that wine must come from the AVA.
- AVAs are geographic locations that have a particular climate, soil, and elevation. ...
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How to use "appellation" in a sentence?
- A man who bears the idiotic appellation Tyrone. ...
- I said, "I had not;" and desired he would explain to me "what he meant by such an appellation, applied to a mortal creature." Jonathan Swift -- Gulliver's Travels
- When Senator Ellsworth observed how very ordinary the mere appellation of President sounded, Adams immediately concurred from the Chair. ...
What does the name appellation mean?
n. 1. A name, title, or designation. 2. A protected name under which a wine may be sold, indicating that the grapes used are of a specific kind from a specific district. 3. The act of naming. [Middle English appelacion, from Old French appelation, from Latin appellātiō, appellātiōn-, from appellātus, past participle of appellāre, to ...
What does appellations mean?
Appellation is defined as the act of giving a name to someone or something. An example of an appellation is the act of two parents choosing a name for their new baby. noun. 1. 0.
What is the meaning of the word appellation?
the word by which a particular person or thing is called and known; name; title; designation An appellation is a legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown; other types of food often have appellations as well.
What is an appellation mean in wine?
An appellation of origin generally designates the geographic area in which the fruit or other agricultural product was grown. Using an appellation of origin on your label also indicates that the wine meets certain production requirements.
What is the role of appellations?
In its “essential” form, appellations are laws defining and regulating the production of a specific wine, by defining the territory in which it can be produced, viticultural practices and grapes allowed, wine making techniques and the organoleptic qualities a wine must have in order to belong to that appellation.
Why are wine appellations important?
Wine appellation refers to a legally determined and protected wine region. These regions are thought to produce the best quality wine in the world. While these days, not everyone agrees with this (some argue these wines are not worth their large price tags), the wines from these regions are sought after.
What is an appellation system?
A wine appellation system is a set of regulations that dictate how wine is classified, labelled and, in some cases, produced, and provides information to consumers concerning where the grapes used to produce the wine were grown.
How many wine appellations are there?
The AVA system began in 1980 and and has since expanded to include 242 AVAs across the United States.
What is the synonym of appellation?
synonyms for appellationmoniker.sobriquet.designation.epithet.handle.label.nickname.title.
Is Bordeaux a region or an appellation?
Affordable Bordeaux Is Often Right Next Door The Bordeaux region divides into 38 sub-regions with 57 different appellations. Expensive regions in Bordeaux are often right next door to cheaper areas.
What is the difference between DOC and DOCG?
DOCG is the highest designation for Italian wines, while DOC's qualifying guidelines are less strict. Both have multiple criteria designating which grapes may be included in the wines, how and where the grapes are grown, barrel and bottle aging regimens, the alcohol level in the final product and more.
What is the difference between AOC and AOP?
No difference It's just that the AOC – Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée – is a French label, while the AOP – Appellation d'origine Protégée – is … European. But both refer to the set of rules a wine needs to comply with in order to be labelled after a given appellation (e.g. Sancerre).
What does Doc mean on Italian wine?
designation of controlled originDOC – Denominazione di Origine Controllata DOC is the second highest quality level – with Denominazione di Origine Controllata meaning “designation of controlled origin”. In order to achieve this classification, there are still very strict rules which need to be followed regarding quality and authenticity.
What are wine regions called?
AppellationsWhen a U.S. winery wants to tell you the geographic pedigree of its wine, it uses a tag on its label called an Appellation of Origin. Appellations are defined either by political boundaries, such as the name of a county, state or country, or by federally-recognized regions called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
Which type of appellation is considered to produce the highest quality wines?
Grand Cru refers to a the quality of a particular vineyard and the terroir in which the grapes grow. It is the highest and most well-respected wine classification within the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), which is the governing board over the wines produced in Burgundy and Alsace, France.
How do you use appellation?
Appellation in a Sentence 🔉Because there is no appellation on the product, consumers are confused about the brand's name.Henry cheated on the bar exam so he does not deserve the appellation of attorney.In high school my friends would often refer to me as Penguin, an appellation I earned because of my unusual walk.More items...
What is the difference between a name and an appellation?
Appellation is defined as the act of giving a name to someone or something. An example of an appellation is the act of two parents choosing a name for their new baby. A name or title that describes or identifies a person or thing; designation. (formal or dated) A name, title, or designation.
Where does the word appellation come from?
Etymology. From late Middle English appellacion, from Old French apellatiun, from Latin appellātiō (“a naming”).
Is champagne an appellation?
On 29 June 1936, Champagne was decreed an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) That decree also ratified the laws and decrees of 1919, 1927 and 1935 laying down the rules requested by winegrowers in Champagne.
The Definition of Wine Appellation
Wine appellation refers to a legally determined and protected wine region. These regions are thought to produce the best quality wine in the world. While these days, not everyone agrees with this (some argue these wines are not worth their large price tags), the wines from these regions are sought after.
What Is the Point of Wine Appellation?
Following these standards may sound like a lot of hassle, and it is. However, these strict guidelines are enforced with the consumer in mind.
European Union Wine Appellation
Wines in the European Union are given a Geographical Indication (GI). These are displayed on the wine label, allowing consumers to understand where the grapes were grown. This is important, as the location of the vineyard can have a distinct effect on the flavor of the wine.
Wine Appellation in France
In France, the traditional labeling term for PDO is Appellation D'origine Contrôlée (AC or AOC). These letters on the label of a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay would indicate the winemakers had to follow strict quality guidelines.
Wine Appellation in Italy
In Italy, winemakers use the codes Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). The traditional term for PGI wines is Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT).
Wine Appellation in Spain
In Spain, they have several traditional labelling terms for PDO. However, they most commonly use the codes Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) and Denominación de Origen (DO).
Wine Appellation in the United States
Wines made in areas such as the United States, South Africa, and Australia are considered New World wines. Wines grown in European countries are known as Old World wines.
Champagne
Popularly known as the gold standard of sparkling wine, true Champagne only comes from the actual Champagne region in France. It is produced using the so-called méthode Champenoise; the process in which secondary fermentat... READ MORE
Bordeaux
Bordeaux region is the largest wine growing area in France that comprises of more than fifty different appellations. Bordeaux wines can range from massively produced everyday table wines to prestigious and expensive vintages. The predomin... READ MORE
Burgundy
Bourgogne or Burgundy is a wine region in France which produces some of the most prized wines in the world. Located in east-central part of France, the region is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, though some other red and white grap... READ MORE
Rioja
Rioja was the first Spanish appellation that received protected status. This renowned Spanish region is located in the north of the country, on both sides of the river Ebro. It is best known for its red varietals and blends, and while Tem... READ MORE
Cava
This supreme Spanish sparkling wine is made with a blend of grape varieties indigenous to Spain, mainly Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarello. Rosé Cava, called rosat in Spanish, is produced by adding Trepat, Garnacha, or other red grapes, which ... READ MORE
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine, with relatively high amounts of acidity. It is made in the historical wine producing region Province of Beaujolais, mostly from thin-skinned Gamay grape, which makes it very low in tannins, and there... READ MORE
Port
Port is a fortified wine that has its origins in the Duoro Valley. It is produced from various grape varieties, though Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, and Tinta Cão are considered the best for the r... READ MORE
What Is An Appellation?
In its simplest form, the term appellation is used to convey a wine’s place of origin; however, we can assess more information when we explore factors beyond geography. This article will introduce you to the European and American systems that control how a wine’s appellation is determined.
Defining Appellations
If we look at a map of wine regions throughout the world, you will see there are clear geographical delineations that separate different vine growing places, commonly referred to as “appellations.” It’s important to recognize that the location of production is one of many aspects worth considering when we ask the following question – “what is an appellation?” A wine’s classification under a specific appellation is also dependent upon other factors, including the type of grapes used in production, vine planting density, yields, must (unfermented grape juice) weight, potential alcohol level, residual sugar level, and lengths of aging..
European Union Wines
Wines from European Union (EU) countries that list a place of origin on their labels are grouped into two categories: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). A PDO wine is grown and produced within a specified area, and only from the Vitis Vinifera species of grape varieties.
French Wines
France’s PDO wines are designated under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. The requirements a wine must meet in order to receive this designation depend on the appellation.
Italian Wines
Italy’s PDO wines fall under two headings: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). Similar to the French system, the appellation designation of Italian wines is dependent on a variety of factors besides just geography.
Spanish Wines
PDO wines from Spain, like those from Italy, can be classified under two main designations: Denominación de Origen (DO) and Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa). The DOCa wines have the highest distinction of quality – Rioja and Priorat are the only two to date.
United States Wines
While most U.S. wines have an appellation to indicate their place of origin, these designations are based solely on geographical boundaries, unlike their European counterparts. According to federal and state laws, an appellation may be an entire state, a large region that may cross state lines, a county, or an American Viticultural Area (AVA).
France
France organizes wine with the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée/Protégée (AOC/AOP) system which first started in 1937.
Italy
The Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) system was first established in 1963 and today there are 329 different DOCs and 73 DOCGs.
Spain
The Spanish qualify their wines with the Denominación de Origen (DO) or Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) system. The Spanish system currently has 79 DOP’s, 2 DOC’s, 15 Vino de Pagos (VT) and 46 Vino de la Tierra (VdlT/IGP).
Champagne
Popularly known as the gold standard of sparkling wine, true Champagne only comes from the actual Champagne region in France. It is produced using the so-called méthode Champenoise; the process in which secondary fermentat... READ MORE
Bordeaux
Bordeaux region is the largest wine growing area in France that comprises of more than fifty different appellations. Bordeaux wines can range from massively produced everyday table wines to prestigious and expensive vintages. The predomin... READ MORE
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine, with relatively high amounts of acidity. It is made in the historical wine producing region Province of Beaujolais, mostly from thin-skinned Gamay grape, which makes it very low in tannins, and there... READ MORE
Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is one of the most exceptional appellations in Boudreaux. It is located on the right bank in the Libourne wine region of Bordeaux. Although classic Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménèr... READ MORE
Chablis
Chablis is the name of the wine region in northern Burgundy, but it is also the name of a white wine coming from this very region. Chablis is made with 100% Chardonnay, but unlike other Chardonnay wines, it rarely utilizes oak-aging, resu... READ MORE
Sancerre
Sancerre is a French appellation located in Loire Valley (Cher department) that is mainly known for the production of dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The wines are praised for mineral notes and freshness, while three differen... READ MORE
Chambertin
Chambertin is a French appellation and a Grand Cru vineyard located in Burgundy, more precisely in the Côte de Nuits (Côte d'Or) wine region. The designation produces red wines that are mostly varietal and based on Pinot Noir.... READ MORE
The Definition of Wine Appellation
What Is The Point of Wine Appellation?
- Following these standards may sound like a lot of hassle, and it is. However, these strict guidelines are enforced with the consumer in mind. Wines from a certain appellation are considered higher quality. Therefore, if you buy a bottle and see the code on the wine label (we’ll go deeper into this later), you better understand where and how that bottle was produced. There …
European Union Wine Appellation
- Wines in the European Union are given a Geographical Indication (GI). These are displayed on the wine label, allowing consumers to understand where the grapes were grown. This is important, as the location of the vineyard can have a distinct effect on the flavor of the wine. Wines with a GI are considered a higher quality than those without. GI wines are then divided into two quality catego…
Wine Appellation in France
- In France, the traditional labeling term for PDO is Appellation D'origine Contrôlée (AC or AOC). These letters on the label of a lovely bottle of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay would indicate the winemakers had to follow strict quality guidelines. AOC wine will most likely have come from one of their prime regions, such as the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Rhône, or Alsace. It will also have had …
Wine Appellation in Italy
- In Italy, winemakers use the codes Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). The traditional term for PGI wines is Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). If you found a bottle of Chianti with one of these codes, you would understand the region and quality level of the wine.
Wine Appellation in Spain
- In Spain, they have several traditional labelling terms for PDO. However, they most commonly use the codes Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) and Denominación de Origen (DO). To be classified with one of these prestigious labeling terms, winemakers must pay special attention to aging, as Spain has an aging classification system as well. So, if you’re in the market for a lovely …
Wine Appellation in The United States
- Wines made in areas such as the United States, South Africa, and Australia are considered New World wines. Wines grown in European countries are known as Old World wines. Unlike European winemakers, appellations in the United States simply refer to the geographical location of where the grapes are grown. While appellations in France or Italy can be small as villages, American ap…
Wine Can Get Complicated
- As you can see, wine production can be complicated. While the novice wine drinker needn’t worry much about appellation, it’s fun to know. Plus, knowing wine appellation shows you understand the complexities of the wine industry. Put simply, wine appellation refers to the way in which wine producers categorize wines. The codes, such as PDO and AOC, show the consumer how and wh…