Appellation d'Origine Contrôllée (AOC)
The designation “AOC” on a bottle of French wine tells you from where the wine originates. ”AOC” means that the wine is made only from approved grape varieties suitable to the appellation climate and guarantees that the grapes used to make the wine originated in the appellation claimed on the label. “AOC” is the highest quality designation of all French wines. “Appellation” means not just the geographic location of the vineyards but also the suitability of land within the area for growing grapes.
The AOC rules, which vary by region, specify not just grape varieties allowed, but also the density of vines per hectare to be planted, the volume of grape juice per hectare permitted, the degree of alcohol permitted, the length and type of aging for the wine and many other parameters that affect the final quality of the wine.
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Appellation Montravel
The Montravel Appellation is situated between St Emilion to the West and Bergerac to the East. As part of the greater Aquitaine region in the South West of France, Montravel is on a plateau above the River Dordogne. Montravel enjoys a diversity of complex soils and the rolling plateau gives excellent drainage. Watering of vines is not allowed anywhere in France and good drainage is therefore essential.
When the greater Bergerac Appellation, of which Montravel is part, was formed in 1933, the authorities envisaged a “Premier Cru” designation for Montravel, because of its similarity to St Emilion and Pomerol. Although this was never formalised, Montravel does enjoy a reputation for the highest quality wines.
Until 2001, Montravel Appellation was exclusively for white wines, both dry and sweet. In 2001, permission was granted for an “Appellation Montravel” red wine, and it is produced under the strictest quality rules of any region in France.
Appellation Cotes de Bergerac.
Within the family of 13 Bergerac appellation wines, Cote de Bergerac describes red wine produced under more exacting quality rules. Grape varieties allowed include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Although logically Cote de Bergerac should indicate that the grapes were grown on the Cote (the ridge above the river valley), in fact Cote de Bergerac can originate from anywhere in the Bergerac appellation as long as it meets the quality standards.
Chateau Masburel is situated within the Montravel appellation and produces sweet and dry white wines under the Montravel appellation. Red wines are produced under the Cote de Bergerac appellation. In 2003, the first appellation Montravel red wine was produced at Chateau Masburel.