Skip to main content

Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC)

Official label to guarantee authentic regional produce

featured in Local Produce Updated

The appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) is the certification granted by the French government to ensure that all wines, cheese and certain agricultural products are produced in the region of their origin, in the traditional manner, using specific ingredients.

For example a sparkling white wine may only be called a Champagne if it is produced in the Champagne region of France using specific grapes; and a Beaufort cheese may only bear that name if it has been made from the milk of Tarentaise or Abondance cows in the region of Beaufort in the time-honoured fashion.

There is a strict labelling policy which means that only items that adhere to the guidelines can bear the AOC seal on its label or rind. This ensures a certain amount of quality control and protects the heritage of many quintessentially French products.

News

  • What's on in Meribel summer 2018

    What's new this summer in Meribel

  • Latest gear - best new clothing for spring 2019

    Hiking gear guide

  • Latest gear - Mountain running equipment for 2019

    Trail running gear guide

  • Latest gear - Camping equipment for summer 2019

    Mountain camping equipment guide

  • a mountain biker jumping in the air

    Mountain bike gear guide

  • Meribel in December 2019 - What weather to expect & what to do

    December in Méribel: What's on and weather

Events

  • Road cyclists

    Gran Fondo Col de la Loze

  • An image of a firework display

    Bastille Day

  • Meribel Valley in the summer

    Surprising Festival

  • Mountain bikers cycling uphill in Meribel

    French Mountain Bike Cup

  • Zen Altitude Week in Meribel

    Zen Altitude

  • Tour de France 2020 in Les Arcs

    Tour de France 2025 in Courchevel