Everyone has already noticed the 3 small "AOC" letters on the label of certain bottles of wine. If many know that this sign means "controlled designation of origin", little know the true meaning of this label. Let's find out what the AOC appellation means for a coast of Provence.
AOC or AOP appellation wine: what meaning?
An AOC or AOP wine meets several criteria, which were updated in 2009. We must then clearly distinguish these two signs, and the guarantees they ensure.
Differences between AOC and AOP
It is rather normal to have trouble distinguishing an AOC product from an AOP product, as the differences are not very marked. Finally, these labels both promote the products that ensure a powerful link with their terroir. So let's see in detail what differentiates them.
- The protected designation of origin (AOP) is a European sign, which guarantees that the product has been developed and transformed into a precise geographic area. It thus ensures the name of a product in the entire European Union.
- The designation of controlled origin (AOC) is ultimately the same thing, but on a French scale. It guarantees a product transformed and manufactured in France, in a geographic area or a very specific region.
Finally, the AOC is the preliminary step to obtain the European AOP label. The two guarantee control of the production conditions and the finished product, and thus ensure a product from a unique terroir and know-how.
AOC and AOP: Guarantee of origin and tradition
Whether for wine, or for any other local product, AOC and AOP are signs that identify the quality and origin of a product.
The AOC label has been recognized in France since 1905, and internationally since 1958. It will then be recognized at European level in 1992 under the name of AOP. Since August 2009, the AOC label has become a step prior to final European recognition: AOP. If a producer refuses the AOP label, he then loses the benefit of the AOC for the product in question.
What does the "AOC" sign mean for a rib of Provence?
To obtain the designation of controlled origin, a wine must respond to 3 strong values which honor both the product, the terroir, and the tradition.
Côtes de Provence geography: a well -defined label
The AOC Côtes de Provence corresponds to a very strict geographic area of production. In order for a wine to take advantage of this label, it will necessarily have to be made on one of the 3 departments concerned by the AOC Côtes de Provence: the Var, the Bouches du Rhône, and the Alpes Maritime. This AOC, recognized in 1977, then concerns 84 municipalities, and 20,100 hectares of terroir.
Côtes de Provence geology: between reliefs and sea
The geology of AOC Côtes de Provence has all its uniqueness. You can find limestone soils (north and east), crystalline soils (south and west), as can also have volcanic soils. The proximity both of the coast and reliefs offers the AOC Côtes de Provence label a great geological complexity.
Terroir du Côtes de Provence: a multiple facets AOC
The AOC Côtes de Provence has the distinction of concerning a very varied natural environment. Between the Mediterranean climate, and the great geological variety of the region, the terroir makes it possible to obtain Côtes de Provence very different from each other.
The characteristics of the Côtes de Provence AOC
A coast of Provence AOC does not have a single oenological profile. Depending on the natural area where the vineyard is located, we will obtain very different wines. However, we can draw up an identity card of the Côtes de Provence AOC wines according to their color.
Rosé wine Côtes de Provence AOC
The classic assembly of a rosé wine Côtes de Provence will consist of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. These grape varieties will give an expressive wine to the pale pink dress. The bouquet of citrus fruits, exotic fruits, red fruits and floral notes, brings a tangy freshness with good aromatic potential.
It is advisable to serve it at a temperature between 8 and 10 ° C. It will perfectly accompany Provencal dishes, such as eggplant caviar, bouillabaisse or ratatouille.
Red wine Côtes de Provence AOC
AOC Côtes de Provence red wine is a wine with intense color. With its aromas of fresh fruit and its round bouquet, it wants to be refreshing when it is ready to be consumed in summer. When he benefits from a longer cuison, he is then dense and complex, with a bouquet of black fruit, garrigue and spices.
A guard wine will be tasted between 16 and 18 ° C, while a wine ready to consume will prove to be a service temperature between 14 and 16 ° C. It is recommended to accompany an AOC Côtes de Provence red wine with a regional dish, such as the beef stew, or the Osso Buco.
White wine Côtes de Provence AOC
Generally designed with the Rolle grape variety, the AOC Côtes de Provence white wine is very aromatic. With its pale yellow dress, it can also be obtained with an assembly of rolle and white UGNI, Clairette or Sémillon. Very fresh and lively, the white wine AOC Côtes de Provence, offers a bouquet of fresh fruit, white flowers and herbs.
For perfect consumption, it is advisable to taste the white wine AOC Côtes de Provence at a temperature of 6 to 8 ° C, and to serve it with a fish, or a fresh cheese.
The controlled designation of origin ensures that you can taste a quality terroir product. To discover all the nuances of a Provençal terroir wine, the Domaine de Berne invites you to meet its AOC Côtes de Provence wines.
