got a gift, now what is it?

[Randy Caparoso]

Interesting question. First, let me tell you what I know. Vin de pays d'oc -- from the Languedoc-Roussillon -- is by far the largest vin de pays category in France (currently, some 85% of the country's vins de pays production). Like A.C. laws, vin de pays laws must follow 100% of whatever geographic designations are stated on the label.

Vin de pays with varietal designations, of course, are fairly new; but now extremely popular given the ready acceptance in the U.S. as well as in the U.K. This is where I may be wrong, and so I will have to confirm this for sure later: but I believe that varietal vin de pays bottlings must be pretty much 100% of the stated varietal. If there is any leeway given, it is a small, largely inconsequential amount (like 2%). But let me get back to you on this. I'll ask around when some people I know get back from the holidays.

In any case, I can't imagine French law being anywhere near as nebulous as, say, Chilean law (where, reportedly, many varietal "Merlots" are largely made from Carmenere); or enforced with as much wink-wink-nudge-nudge as, say, Italian law.


[This message has been edited by Randy Caparoso (edited 12-31-1999).]