France, like all European Union countries, has a tiered classification system. The higher the grade, the stricter the rules covering place of origin, grape variety, method of growing and method of making.
The levels, from lowest to highest, are as follows:
1. Vin de Table
The most basic wine. The label won't state the region, and much is blended from all over France.
2. Vin de Pays
These are 'country' wines that should have the character of their region. Most varietal wines (where the name of the grape is on the bottle) come under this category.
3. Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS)
Accounting for just 1% of French wines, the VDQS classification is a set of standards for wines in areas not covered by AOC law.
4. Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC or AC)
This is the most widely applied standard used on French wine labels. It indicates that the wine meets the legal standards (per French wine law) for the area. Producers may only grow certain grape varieties in each area, and yields per hectare are regulated. However, the Appellation Contrôlée classification is not a guarantee of quality, merely a guarantee that the wine comes from the region stated on the label, and was made in accordance with the law.
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