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Let's take ourselves into the wine store.
You're looking at that label, and you're seeing 'A.O.C', and 'D.O.C'.
Have you ever wondered what that meant?
We have Charles Visalli here, wine expert and consultant,
he's going to help us understand what that means when we see that on the label,
and he's coming to us from Time For Wine.
Charles? Now, let us know, what does that mean?
I'd be glad to. Those are both designations:
A.O.C. is from France,
D.O.C. is the Italian designation.
And, it actually started in 1855, in France.
It was Napoleon, Napoleon the third,
that set forth the opportunity to designate the Bordeaux.
Because there in Paris, there was a beautiful exposé.
And they wanted everyone's wines to be tasted.
It could not happen. It is not possible.
So, they decided to categorize,
and look at the wines, based upon the regions.
Particularly in Bordeaux.
And when you look at Bordeaux, you want to be specific.
Is it a Right Bank, or is it a Left Bank wine?
Because, there is categorically difference,
with Paullac, Margeaux, Haut-Médoc.
These are all the châteaux, with on site of each one of the banks.
If it's Right Bank, it's going to be more Merlot-based.
If it's Left Bank, it's going to be more cabernet-based,
with the ability to do some other grapes.
But, the D.O.C., let's not forget, is from our Italian paisans.
And in Italy, you have, actually, four classifications,
and there, are Vina De Tabla, is table wine;
the IGT, which is the next geographic area,
D.O.C, Denominazione di Origine Controllata; that's the D.O.C. area
where specific grapes can only be grown there, and bottled.
And then the highest level for Italian wines,
D.O.C.G., where G stands for Guarantia.
Now, there's only certain areas throughout all of Italy,
and Italian wines are beautiful.
From Alto Algagie to Verito, Piedmonte, Tuscany,
which everybody loves the Tuscan wines.
So, when you look at labels,
be emphatic to look for the D.O.C.,
A.O.C. designations, or the D.O.C.G. You'll find...
Is this a way of regulation, to determine the regulation on the wine?
And, do we have something similar in the US, on the label?
It is the European way, and the A.O.C. that started in France,
was what allowed other European nations to do the same.
Here, in the United States, we have certain areas, in California,
that have been designed as a specific A.V.A,
and they're getting more favorable recognition,
so when you look at wines, be curious.
Look at some things that are fun and exciting,
and ask for some help and guidance.
We're always glad to, and I guarantee you'll have fun.
That was fascinating, and and an issue that I was never aware of.
Thank you, Charles,
and if you'd like to find out more, www.timeforwine.net.