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What does AOP mean?
Since the EU wine market reform of 2009, the abbreviation AOP has been the new designation for the highest level of the quality system in France and means "Appellation d'Origine Protégée"(protected designation of origin). It has officially replaced the former designation "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée"(AOC - controlled designation of origin), which is still valid.
AOP wines must come from a clearly defined geographical area, which can range from a single vineyard to one or more wine-growing communities to an entire region. In addition, they must meet strict quality requirements in terms of authorised grape varieties, cultivation, yield, harvesting and ageing.