In 1935, the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) was created to delimit and enforce France’s wine appellation system.
The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system, using early, self-imposed guidelines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape as a model, stipulated limits on yields, vineyard density, training and pruning techniques, grape varieties, methods of production, minimum alcohol levels, minimum must weights, and the geographical boundaries of each appellation. AOC wines must pass a tasting panel. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) became a model for many other European appellation systems, as France’s controlled appellations assured authenticity and, to a degree, style. The INAO awarded the first AOCs in 1936; by 2017, 363 AOC appellations were granted for wine and brandy, while nearly 100 more were awarded to agricultural products (such as cheese and other foods). Over 75% of France’s wines and eaux-de-vie were released as AOC—hardly the intention of the system’s original proponents, who wished to protect and enshrine France’s most valuable wines. Like most appellation systems, France’s AOC had become a bloated category and one not necessarily indicative of quality.In 2007, the INAO, which oversees the protected appellations of wines, spirits, cheeses, and other foodstuffs, became the L’Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité—although it retained its former acronym. The INAO brought its appellation system in line with new EU standards in 2009 and established the category of Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP). French AOPs fall within the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) category, and the existing AOC and the new AOP designations
Thanks for clearing that up Matt. One more if you will. This Bordeaux Guide states "In 2004 the total vineyard area encompassed 306,000 acres, establishing Bordeaux as France’s largest wine appellation.", Yet the Guide for Rhone Valley says "When considered collectively, Languedoc-Roussillon has more acres planted to the vine than any other winegrowing region in the world, and is the only region in France to surpass Bordeaux in plantings." The Study Guide goes on to say this about Languedoc-Roussillon: "Together, the two areas are the largest wine region in France - 750,000 acres". Since AOP Languedoc (Established in 2007) is more extensive than its predecessor as it covers the entire region of Languedoc and Roussillon, wouldn't that challenge Bordeaux's claim as the "largest wine appellation"?