AOC, or Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (Controlled Designation of Origin), is a French system that protects and regulates agricultural products—especially wine, cheese, and other regional specialties—based on their geographic origin. For wine, the AOC system ensures that a bottle labeled with a specific region (like Bordeaux or Chablis) follows strict rules about where the grapes are grown, which grape varieties are allowed, how the wine is made, and even how it’s aged. These rules are designed to preserve traditional methods and highlight the unique character, or terroir, of each region. Introduced in the 1930s, the AOC system helps guarantee authenticity and quality for consumers while protecting producers from imitation. Not all French wines are AOC; lower classifications include IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) and Vin de France, which have fewer restrictions and offer more stylistic freedom. For novices, seeing “AOC” on a label is a sign that the wine comes from a recognized area with defined traditions and standards, offering a reliable sense of place and style.