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Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée or AOC is a French appellation system created in 1935, similar to the Spanish DO and the Italian DOC.
Generally the highest quality and most traditional types of French wine are labelled AOC. The appellation system identifies wines by place name, so you won't see a varietal named on the label. For example, the French assume you know that if it is white wine from Sancerre, it is Sauvignon Blanc, since that is the only white grape allowed to be grown there.
edit Certification authority
AOC appellations are regulated by a government agency, the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO).
edit Selection criteria
AOC is one of the most strict classification systems in the world. It is used to control the geographical origin, varietals used, production method, yield and other aspects of winemaking.
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