Are France's New Wine Rules Too Restrictive?

France was the first country in Europe to enact legislation regarding wine.  These regulations, ratified 80 years ago, were meant to protect the French wine industry and consumers from poorly made knock-offs.  Prior to 1935, there was no legal penalty for an Algerian wine masquerading as a Bordeaux, or for that matter, for a cheap Italian sparkling wine being marketed as a French Champagne.  In the latest update to the French wine regulations, however, the pendulum may have swung too far in terms of restrictions.

First, let’s review the new rules.  All wines in France are now classified into one of the following three categories:

• A.O.P. (Appellation d’Orgine Protégée).  This was formally called A.O.C.  This category encompasses wines within a certain demarcated geographical area (wines with a similar terroir).  Within the Bordeaux district, for example, there are 60 AOP’s---each with their unique soil, micro-climate & special geographical characteristics.  Each AOP comes with its own set of rules related to what grapes can be grown, if vines can be irrigated, maximum yields, and a host of detailed laws by which the winemaker must abide.

• I.G.P. (Indication Geographique Protégée).  This category is far less restrictive than the AOP.  It allows producers to think out of the above category’s rule box.  Winemakers can often choose what grapes can be used, and are more free to use procedures that are not allowed in AOP wines. There still, however, are some rules that must be followed.

• Vin de France.  This last classification replaces the former “table wine” category known as Vin de Table.  These typically are quite simple, high yield wines grown with very few rules and sold for a fraction of AOP and IGP’s---most are well under 10 bucks a bottle. 

As the AOP regulation noose is tightening, the Vin de France category is becoming increasingly interesting.  Some winemakers are revolting against the restrictive laws and declassifying their wines from AOP or IGP to Vin de France.  One of the best examples I’ve heard is that of the Michel Rolland, the globe’s most famous wine consultant.  Monsieur Rolland, who is French, is not only the most sought after wine consultant in the world but is a Chateau owner in Bordeaux.  During a terrible rain, Rolland used plastic sheeting between rows to protect his grapes.  The authorities demanded that wines made from these grapes be declassified to Vin de France as plastic sheeting was not found in the rulebook.  Rolland had to legal choice but to oblige.

Other winemakers are becoming appellation drop-outs for different reasons.  A common motive is to be able to use varieties that aren’t permitted.  Global warming has many winemakers concerned---some are opting out in France so that they can plant varietals that are better suited to warmer temperatures.  Others are opting out of the AOP as a means of protecting disappearing indigenous varieties that aren’t allowed by law.

For the savvy wine consumer, this means that there are going to be some serious values available in the Vin de France category.  Not only well crafted, but new innovative wines.  But, the downside is knowing which ones are these value wines from the 95%  of the others that are swill.  Perhaps the French should create a 4^th category called “Liberté” (Liberation).   This one could be for creative winemakers who would like to think outside of France’s restrictive box?