Having a system to tell you the quality of a wine is a very cool concept. Isn’t it? Well, yes and know. When you look at the French wine laws (the AOC system) that have been in effect since the 1930s, you see the positives and the negatives. This article will focus on the downsides of the French wine laws. [Read more…]
The Downsides of French Wine Laws
France’s AOC System
France’s AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) system defines the grape varieties and wine making practices approved for classification in each of France’s several hundred geographically defined appellations. At the heart of the system is the belief that terroir, the grape’s growing environment (location, soil content, climate and slope of the land), is the most important factor in determining a wine’s character and quality. [Read more…]
French Wine Laws Continued
In my last article on the origins of French wine regulations, I had the nerve to say that French wines over the centuries were mediocre. Several people rightfully questioned that statement, saying they had always heard that French wines were the best of the best. How could the best of the best be just mediocre? The answer lies in the history of French wine laws. [Read more…]
The Origins of French Wine Laws
A friend recently asked me about the history of French appellations and growing prohibitions. Specifically, she asked, “Why do the French care so much about what grapes are grown in what regions? Why is Pinot Noir, for example, the only red wine grape that can be grown in the Burgundy region? Isn’t that a bit obsessive? Where do all these rules come from?” I used these questions as an excuse to do a series on French wine laws. This article is focused on the background. Future articles will delve into the laws and their implications, along with recent trends. [Read more…]
Muscat Is the Perfect Spring Wine
With its beautiful floral notes, Muscat is the perfect spring wine. This article provides all kinds of information about the Muscat grape and wine. [Read more…]
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