France organizes wine with the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée/Protégée (AOC/AOP) system which first started in 1937.
Today, there are over 360 AOCs in France and most are within 11 primary growing regions (e.g. Rhône, Loire, Alsace, Bordeaux etc.). The French AOP system has rules that apply to nearly every aspect of wine production, including grape varieties that may be utilized, minimum alcohol level, aging requirements, and even vineyard planting density.
AOP is France’s highest and most rigid classification system. Wines labeled after appellation (e.g. “Sancerre”) will have a specific set of grapes they are legally allowed to use.
Vin de Pays (IGP) is the everyday French wine. The regional designation is less strict with more allowed grape varieties. Names include Pays d’Oc, Comte Tolosan, and Côtes de Gascogne.
Vin de France is the most basic quality of French wine.