An incredible diversity: the characters of the French vineyards have been refined over the centuries and as their wines have been marketed, essential from both cultural and economic points of view, a real knowledge of wine has been built up. Consequently, the notion of authenticity has developed with the creation of "appellations" at the instigation of wine growers.

The AOC, "appellation d'origine contrôlée", is the legal expression of the idea of "terroir": the intimate association of a local area (soils, climates) with grape varieties and know-how (grape growing, vinification). This unique combination gives the wines their incomparable characteristics, recognised by this "appellation" created at the start of the 20^th century.

An AOC label recognises the cultural identity of wines that have been tasted and approved. It is a quality label with strict rules that may cover a whole region (for example Bourgogne aligoté appellation), a local area (Chablis), a vineyard (Romanée-Conti), a plot of vines (1^er cru) or the best plots in a local area (Grands crus).

The more modest country and table wines (vin de pays and vin de table) are also subject to specific, but less strict, regulations. There are also organic (AB with grapes grown organically) and biodynamic (hand picked, natural fermentation) certifications.