Appellation
/ˌapəˈlāSHən/
Wine-Regulation, Geographical-Indication, Wine-Labeling, Regional-Styles, Quality-Control•Last updated March 29, 2025
Appellation refers to a legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown, ensuring the authenticity and quality of wines from specific regions.
Examples
- Bordeaux AOC in France
- Napa Valley AVA in the United States
- Chianti DOCG in Italy
Etymology
The term 'appellation' derives from the Latin 'appellatio', meaning 'a naming' or 'a designation', and was adopted into French as 'appellation'. It has been used in the wine context since the establishment of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system in France in the early 20th century.
Usage Notes
Appellation is used on wine labels to indicate the geographical origin of the grapes, helping consumers identify the region where the wine was produced. It is crucial for marketing and quality assurance.