The country is known for its many different wine regions, from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Champagne and the Loire. The specific climatic conditions vary depending on the region: from maritime-influenced areas such as Bordeaux and the Loire to continental-influenced regions such as Burgundy and the Rhône Valley.
The quality classifications of French wines are generally regulated by the AOC system, which is divided into four main categories:
- Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) / Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP): the highest quality level, which sets strict requirements for grape varieties, cultivation, harvesting and production.
- Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP): Formerly Vin de Pays, stands for regional wines with less stringent requirements than AOC/AOP.
- Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS): A category that is now rarely used and lies between AOC/AOP and IGP.
