The first French appellation (appellation d’origine contrôlée, AOC) was created in 1936, so in 2026 it will celebrate its 90th anniversary. It is a rather surprising list of six appellations that were created first, on May 15, 1936:
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape,
- Arbois,
- Tavel,
- Cassis,
- Monbazillac and
- Cognac.
Today, many wine enthusiasts would probably have a hard time placing at least some of these on a map. The most famous wine appellation on the list is undoubtedly Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the reason for that is that one of the driving politicians behind the creation of the new law was Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, who owned Château Fortia in Châteauneuf (or, well, his wife actually owned it).
Several other districts followed shortly after, and new AOCs / AOPs are still being created today. These were revolutionary rules that were introduced regarding, among other things, permitted grapes, yields, geographical restrictions, etc. It was a reaction against great confusion and sometimes cheating and counterfeiting in the early 20th century.
The French system has since become a model for similar regulations in other countries (Italy, Spain, etc.). However, you could say that it turned 90 both last year and this year. The law was passed in 1935 and came into force in 1936.
Congratulations on your 90th anniversary!
Read more: INAO.
