Bordeaux appellations

What is an appellation?

An appellation is a geographically delimited area of production with it's own winemaking laws that are unique to them and are geared to make the best out of the terroir that lies within their boundaries. It is implemented to set certain quality standards within which the winemakers can operate.

- It limits the varieties that can be grown within the appellation boundaries.

- It limits the maximum amount of wine (juice) that can be squeezed out from the grapes (yields) expressed in hl/ha (hectoliter per hectare).

- It limits the area of production.

- It describes certain viticultural practices (vineyards practices)

- It describes certain vinification practices (winemaking practices)

- Minimum (and in some cases maximum) alcoholic strenght of the wine.

- The minimum must weight (sugar content) of the freshly harvested berries.

This protectionist system is managed by the INAO in France. (Institut National des Appellations d'Origine). By the way, not only wine is protected in such a way but cheese, chocolate and other products as well ... As far as wine is concerned for example, the following description will tell you that this bottle of wine is from the Listrac appellation (with all it's rules) :

APPELLATION LISTRAC CONTROLEE

There are 38 appellations within Bordeaux and following the links below you can find out more about them.