The abbreviation AOC was first introduced in Switzerland in 1988 in the canton of Geneva and then, two years later, in Valais. AOC stands for Appellation d’origine contrôlée and means controlled designation of origin. Since the mutual recognition of AOP-IGP legislation between Switzerland and the EU in December 2011, the abbreviation AOC has been replaced by the abbreviation AOP. This stands for Appellation d’origine protégée, i.e. protected designation of origin. However, the use of AOC is still widespread.
The name itself dates back to the 15th century, when the production and origin of Roquefort cheese in the southwest of France was regulated by a parliamentary decree.
The abbreviation AOC not only assures the consumer of guaranteed origin. The right to use it also goes hand in hand with the mandatory application of the specifications from the corresponding requirements specification. Among other things, it specifies the planting, the density of the vines, the yield per square meter and a low sugar content (depending on the grape variety used). In the case of red and white wines, different specifications for yields per square meter are also applied, with the aim of ensuring that the high quality requirements are met. There is also a distinction within the quality wines. In Valais, the top wines among the quality wines are given the designation AOC Grand Cru in compliance with additional, even stricter regulations.