DO YOU KNOW WHAT MEANS AOC and IGP ?
- Xavier Courpotin
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) and IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) are labels that tell the story of a wine’s origin. They guarantee that the grapes are grown, harvested, and crafted in a specific area with recognized local know-how. While AOC focuses on strict production rules to preserve tradition and quality, IGP gives more flexibility but still ensures the wine reflects the terroir, climate, and expertise of its region.
In short: AOC and IGP are more than labels, they are passports to the flavor and authenticity of French wine.
What’s behind AOC ?
The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), or Controlled Designation of Origin, is a strictly French quality label created to protect and promote products from specific regions, including wine, cheese, and other local specialties. It guarantees that a product comes from a defined geographic area and that its production follows recognized local rules and traditional know-how.
Wines with an AOC label reflect not only the climate, soils, and landscape of their region but also the centuries of expertise passed down by local producers. While AOC is uniquely French, it serves as a foundation for the European AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) label, which harmonizes origin protection across Europe and ensures that wines meeting these criteria are recognized throughout the European Union.
What’s behind AOC Saint-Saturnin-de-Lucian ?
Welcome to Saint-Saturnin, in the Languedoc, one of the historical terroirs and founders of the AOC Languedoc. Covering 1,877 acres on the southern foothills of the Larzac and topped by the Rocher des Vierges (1,536 feet), this region benefits from a Mediterranean climate and rocky, clay-limestone soils that regulate water supply and preserve grape quality.
For Saint-Saturnin’s rosés, this terroir produces wines with a harmonious balance of ripe fruit aromas and freshness. That’s why we chose to work with Fonjoya to produce our On The Cusp Grenache rosé, thanks to their deep knowledge and traditional winemaking techniques, delivering an exceptional expression of the Languedoc terroir..
What’s behind IGP ?
An IGP, or Protected Geographical Indication, is a European quality label that ties a wine directly to a specific geographic area and its traditions. Unlike AOC, which has very strict production rules, an IGP offers more flexibility while still guaranteeing origin, authenticity, and a close link between the wine and its terroir. This label ensures that the wine’s style, grapes, and character truly reflect the landscape, climate, and know-how of its region, giving consumers confidence in both quality and provenance.
Behind On The Cusp – our IGP Saint‑Guilhem‑le‑Désert rosé
On The Cusp is proudly made under the IGP Saint‑Guilhem‑le‑Désert label, nestled in the northern Hérault at the foot of the Larzac plateau, a territory shaped by garrigue, limestone soils, and a Mediterranean climate that brings freshness and balance to every vintage.
Our rosé is crafted from Grenache rosé grown within this protected zone. It embodies the unique expression of its land: vibrant citrus (Pomelo and clementine) with a hint of pepper aromas, On the palate, it's all about fresh, zesty vibes with a little red fruit goodness , a lively yet balanced palate, and a refreshing profile that makes it perfect to enjoy on its own, with friends, or paired with seasonal cuisine…even perfect in cocktails.
Whether in magnum or 75cl format, this IGP rosé celebrates the spirit of Saint‑Guilhem‑le‑Désert (UNESCO World Heritage-listed village), a wine with character, rooted in terroir, and designed for connection. Discover it for your next gathering, at home, in bars, restaurants, or with your HoReCa partners.
Why IGP and AOC Matters ?
Exploring the stories behind AOC and IGP wines shows how geography, climate, and human expertise shape every bottle. From Saint-Saturnin to Saint‑Guilhem‑le‑Désert, the Languedoc offers a spectrum of flavors, aromas, and experiences. With On The Cusp, you’re not just drinking a rosé, you’re sharing a taste of Languedoc’s unique terroir.
Order now…and get the vibes, web ring the wine !
Definitely one of the best rosé wines I've tasted! Refreshing, light, crisp! Love the magnum concept! Face it, when you drink rosé with friends you need a magnum or two! It's a party in a bottle! 🥳