Appellation D'origine Contrôlée

Also known as AC or AOC.

This is the highest legal classification for French wine, above Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure, Vin de Pays and Vin de Table. In order to qualify for the AC, wines must be produced from grapes grown within a geographically defined area, and conform to regulations concerning grape varieties, yields, alcohol content and so on. Although AC means these features are guaranteed, it is not unfortunately a guarantee of quality.

VDQS is a set of laws with slightly lower standards; vin de pays is the lowest set of standards.