The year 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the creation of France's first wine appellations, a system that has shaped the world of wine and continues to be a symbol of quality and authenticity for consumers.
Ninety years ago, in 1936, France established its first Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for wine, a revolutionary concept that would forever change the way we think about wine. This year, 75 of those original appellations, including iconic names from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley, are celebrating their 90th anniversary.
The AOC system was created to protect the authenticity and quality of French wines by defining where and how they could be made. It was a response to widespread fraud in the wine industry and a way to guarantee that a wine truly came from the place its label said it did. The first six appellations, recognized on May 15, 1936, were Arbois, Cassis, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Monbazillac, Tavel, and Cognac.
For the wine lover, the AOC system is a guide to the vast and sometimes confusing world of French wine. It's a promise of quality and a connection to a specific place and its history.
When you buy a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, for example, you know you're getting a wine made in a particular way, from specific grape varieties, in a defined geographical area. As we celebrate this 90th anniversary, it's a good time to reflect on the enduring legacy of the AOC system and the delicious wines it protects.
Sources: Vitisphere
