Efrata Denny

Les Fontanelles 2008 Vin de Pays d’oc France.

Vin de pays is a French term meaning “country wine”. Vins de pays are a step in the French wine classification that is above the table wine (Vin de table) classification, but below the VDQS and Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) classifications. Legislation on the Vin de pays terminology was created in 1973 and passed in 1979, allowing producers to distinguish wines that were made using grape varieties or procedures other than those required by the AOC rules, without having to use the simple and commercially non-viable table wine classification. Unlike table wines, which are only indicated as being from France, Vin de pays carries a geographic designation of origin, the producers have to submit the wine for analysis and tasting, and the wines have to be made from certain varieties or blends. Regulations regarding varieties and labelling practices are typically more lenient than the regulations for AOC wines. In 2009, the Vin de pays classification was replaced by the new PGI – Indication Géographique Protégée, or Protected Geographical Region – designation.

The landscape picture on the label is interesting. I think this is the uniqueness of the French wine label. They must put the landscape picture on the label. This label is interesting and has a stopping power for customer to buy.
I have not tasted this wine yet but I like to put it on my wine rack collection.