The abbreviation AOC designates, since 1905 in France, wines which characteristics and reputation are due to a proper “terroir”. The delimitation of such “terroirs” consists in a technical and statutory procedure which has developed by steps.
The delimitation of the AOC Champagne and Kaefferkopf terroirs, presented here by the authors, confirms the validity of the modern “terroir” concept: A “terroir” is a delimited geographic area for which there is collective knowledge of the interaction between the physical and biological environment and applied vitivinicultural practises.
Authors: Gilles FLUTET, Cécile FRANCHOIS, Alexis GUYOT, Eric VINCENT
Institut NAtional de l’Origine et de la qualité
51, Rue d’Anjou – 75008 – Paris – France
Email: e.vincent@inao.gouv.fr
Keywords: Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, delimitation, “terroir”, vitivinicultural practises