appellation contrôlée

[ a-pe-la-syawn kawn-trohley ]

adjective

1. (of a French wine) having use of its name or designation controlled by the government with respect to the region of production, the variety of grapes used, and the level of quality maintained.

Word History and Origins

Origin of appellation contrôlée¹

< French: controlled appellation

Example Sentences

Like wine or cheese producers, the quarries have even applied for an appellation contrôlée designation.

From Washington Post

Even before I could drink, he taught me never to buy wine that didn’t have the words “Appellation Contrôlée” on the label.

From New York Times

But there are also things that France would never condone: fine dining restaurants with tattooed waiters, microbrewed beer that trumps appellation controlée wine, gastronomy that is experimental and fresh.

From The Guardian

Up to now the language of wine - Champagne, terroir, vin de table, appellation controlee, premier cru - has been French.

From BBC

Inflamed by passions invoked by the idea of terroir – a profound Gallic notion of the land with its geography, geology and qualities – they want France's socialist government to introduce rules for regional products similar to the Appellation Controlée regulations that apply to French wines.

From The Guardian