Colloquial term for the custom, first introduced in the Romance countries, of defining the origin of wines with precise local boundaries. In addition, wines are divided into two quality classes, namely those of higher quality with a clearly defined geographical origin and those of lower quality without a clearly defined geographical origin. The origin was also associated with certain guidelines regarding specific grape varieties and vinification. In contrast, there is talk of "Germanic wine law", which does not focus on the origin but on the variety designation. The Appellation d'Origine Protégée introduced in France after the First World War (1914-1918) is considered the mother of all origin systems. However, the first origin-oriented regulations already existed for certain wines in Italy (Chianti), Portugal (Port) and Spain (Rioja). See also under Quality system and Wine law.
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena