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France

Within France, there is a legislated system for wines consisting of more than 450 different Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC).  These are highly controlled and the highest rated wines from France.  There are also Vins de Pays (VDP) or the "Country Wines" where fewer controls are in place. And then there are the Vins de Table (VDT) or everyday table wines. These have no constraints on geography, grape types or vintage.

The term “Cru” has a simple translation as growth. This is really referring to a special or unique wine growing area. While this area can be a single growing site, it can also be a larger region of land that includes many vineyards and wineries. Read more about the Cru designations of Burgundy and Bordeaux.

The term 'Grand Vin' is an unregulated term.

If a chateau is featured on the label, it must be the original house and it must still be standing.

Wines bottled at the estate are labeled "Mis En Bouteille Au Chateau" while wines bottled within a region are "Mis En Bouteille Au Domaine."  The term "Negociant" means the grapes, or the juice, was purchased and released under a different brand.

In France, wines are mostly labeled by region, not grape type. So, if you purchase a Bordeaux, it may be made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot (See French Wines).