Vin de France

The Vin de France designation refers to any wine produced in France that is not covered by an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) or a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). You may sometimes come across the term SIG, which stands for Sans Indication Géographique (No Geographical Indication). This designation was introduced in 2009 to replace the term ‘table wine’. Consequently, it is no longer possible today to find a wine classified as a table wine.

This designation is recognised throughout the European Union. All AOP wines must comply with a set of specifications of varying degrees of strictness, supervised by the INAO (Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité) and also approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. These specifications govern viticultural practices, such as authorised grape varieties and vineyard yields, as well as winemaking practices.

What’s the difference between these and AOP wines? None at all! The French simply prefer the term ‘Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée’, whereas AOP – which stands for ‘Appellation d’Origine Protégée’ – is a European designation. France was the first country to establish a set of precise specifications to ensure the quality of its wines. As a result, the word ‘contrôlé’ has stuck in the French collective consciousness. Today, therefore, both terms are used, depending on whether the perspective is French or European.

This category is very similar to that of the AOP. The Protected Geographical Indication replaced the Vin De Pays (VDP) designation in 2009 and covers wines that fall halfway between VDF and AOC/AOP, with less lenient specifications and a larger production area than an AOC. The methods used for growing the vines and for winemaking are less restrictive. The IGP designation allows the winegrower greater creative freedom than an AOC, whilst still benefiting from a precise quality framework.

Formerly known as “table wines”, the Vin de France designation is regarded as the most open of all appellations. The VDF designation is relatively similar to that of the AOP, but much less strict, with less stringent specifications and a larger geographical production area than the AOP/AOC. Indeed, it has no Precise Geographical Indication and is subject to very loose regulations. This freedom extends to the production of the wine, which may be blended from grapes from different regions, origins and vintages, and to the information displayed: the listing of all grape varieties and, in particular, the vintage are not mandatory.

• Red wines: Red wines are made from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Malbec, etc.
• White wines: White wines can be produced from grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, etc.
• Rosé wines: French rosé wines can be made from grape varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Merlot, etc.

• Sparkling wines: Some sparkling wines, including those produced using the traditional method, may be classified as “Vin de France”. For example, one can find sparkling wines made from grape varieties such as Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc.
• Sweet wines: Some Vins Doux Naturels or dessert wines may also be classified as “Vin De France”. These wines are often made from grapes such as Muscat, Grenache Blanc, Sémillon, etc.

Whilst the ‘Vin de France’ designation used to be associated with simple, everyday wines, in recent years some of the biggest names in the wine world have been producing their wines under the Vin de France label. Thus, contrary to certain preconceptions, VDF wines are no less high-quality than other wines produced under an appellation, and can genuinely be excellent bottles well worth discovering! The proof: the VDF market is booming, and in recent years there has been a growing international enthusiasm for Vin de France. Beyond European borders, the focus is mainly on the grape variety and on promoting the brand through a simple label.

It is important to note that there are talented winemakers who deliberately choose to produce wines under the Vin de France appellation in order to express their creativity and their freedom in blending grape varieties from different regions. Some winemakers see this category as an opportunity to produce unique and innovative wines, free from the stricter regulatory constraints imposed by AOPs and IGPs. It is therefore possible to find real gems amongst the Vin de France, produced by passionate winemakers to showcase their expertise and personal style.

The VDF appellation encompasses both entry-level wine and fine wine of exceptional quality. Some of these great wines have even received praise from renowned critics such as Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate. These wines are in fact rare on the market, produced in small quantities, and the price of certain vintages may come as a surprise. The production of high-quality Vin de France wine is often limited in quantity, due to various factors such as low yields, rigorous grape selection, more complex winemaking methods or extended ageing in oak barrels. These costly and time-intensive practices contribute to the scarcity of these cuvées. Although the absence of an appellation provides no indication of viticultural and winemaking practices, these vintages are very often produced with the utmost care and the greatest precision.

Production of Vin de France remains fairly limited. However, in recent years, the perception of Vin de France has begun to change. More and more producers, whether large estates or small winegrowers, have chosen to market their wines under the Vin de France appellation. Among the well-known names are Chapoutier, Famille Perrin, Morillon Blanc by Jeff Carrel, Louis Cheze, Francois Lurton, Domaine Peyre Rose, Château Lagrezette, Puech Haut, Veuve du Vernay, Zind Humbrecht, Gérard Bertrand and Xavier Vignon – buy Vin de France wine at best price on Vinatis online wine merchant.