Highest level – AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee)
2nd level – VDQS (Vins Delimites de Qualite Superieure)
3rd level – VDP (Vins de Pays)
4th level – VDT (Vins de Table)

The principle is simple, the smaller of the AOC area, the better quality.
E.g. AOC Bordeaux – this means the wines/grapes can come from any area within Bordeaux.

AOC Saint Emilion – this means the wines/grapes can come from area within Saint Emilion area.
The smaller the AOC area, the more of the wine can reflect the particular wine style of that region, terrior, climate and culture.
E.g. AOC Saint Emilion has better quality than AOC Bordeaux.

Some regional appellations have the right to add “Superieur”. E.g. Bordeaux Superieur. These wines have an extra half or one degree of alcohol compare to basic appellation.

RP – Robert Parker, consider one of the most notorious and influential wine commentator in the world. The wine rates from 50 - 100 points. The score given for a specific wine reflects the quality of the wine of their type.

• 96-100:

  An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume.

• 90 - 95:

  An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines.

• 80 - 89:

  A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor as well as character with no noticeable flaws.

• 70 - 79:

  An average wine with little distinction except that it is a soundly made. In essence, a straightforward, innocuous wine.

• 60 - 69:

  A below average wine containing noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity and/or tannin, an absence of flavor, or possibly dirty aromas or flavors.

• 50 - 59:

  A wine deemed to be unacceptable.

WS – Wine Spectator. It is a magazine in USA review more than 15,000 wines each year. The wines rates from 50-100 points. The score given for a specific wine reflects the quality of the wine of their type.

• 95-100

  Classic: a great wine

• 90-94

  Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style

• 85-89

  Very good: a wine with special qualities

• 80-84

  Good: a solid, well-made wine

• 75-79

  Mediocre: a drinkable wine that may have minor flaws

• 50-74

  Not recommended

To make a good wine, all of the factors below are important:

• Climate – If the weather is too wet and rainy in that year, the concentration of grapes flavors will get diluted because there is more water inside the grape juice.  Thus causing a less intense flavor.  A hot and moderate rainfall is ideal for a good vintage.
• Vine age – the older age of the vines, the more intense of the grape flavor will be.  Some vines have age over 100 years old.  These vines are considered as treasure.  However, old age vines have fewer yields.
• Yield – number of grapes planted per hectare (100M x 100M), the less grape per vine, the more intense of the flavour. Some very good vineyards yield is around 35-45 hectolitre/hectare.  While some poor quality vineyards yield can be over 100 hectolitre/hectare. Hectolitre = 100 litre.
• Terroir – It is a French word, meaning the content of soils and surrounding landscape.  It is well known that different types of soils contribute to different types of flavour.  E.g. chalky ………………..
• Vinification – this depends on the winemaker skills.  E.g. Fermentation time, control of temperature, wine making facility, usage of oak barrel.  A poor vinification can spoil good grapes and make bad wines.  But a good vinification can not turn bad grapes to good wines.  So a great wine needs both good grapes and good vinification.

Wines under this appellation usually made by Merlot with minority of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The character of wine has a soft tannic, rich texture, lots of red fruit and full body. It is famous that Saint Emilion wines can drink early but also can benefit from aging in bottle.

Characteristic of Merlot

Red grape, one of the most popular grape varieties. It can give soft, easy to drink wines with soft tannic. Medium to full body with red fruit character, raspberry, strawberry, plum and blackberry. Widely planted in Right bank of Bordeaux such as Saint Emilion and Pomerol, usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon

Red grape, one of the most popular grape varieties. It has thick skin and produce higher tannic and acid wines which age well. Medium to full body with black fruit character such as black currant and cherry.

Characteristic of Cabernet Franc

Red grape. Usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

It give soft, easy to drink wines with soft tannic. Medium to full body with red fruit character, raspberry, strawberry, plum and blackberry. It is widely planted worldwide, usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

It is the First Wine from the Chateau. Using the best selected grapes making the wine. Some Chateau use the less quality grape making their Second Wine selling at a cheaper price. Since the grapes were grown under the same Chateau, using similar wine making method, the Second Wine also show the characteristic of the Chateau. Some Chateau even has Third Wine.

A method of organic growing that has its basis in a spiritual world-view. An astronomical planting calendar are used to enhance health and vigour in all parts of the farm. Working the vineyard and the wine according to the moon and stars. Fertilizing the soil using natural compost and mineral.
Biodynamic winemakers claim the wine have stronger, clearer, more vibrant tastes, as well as wines that remain drinkable longer. Some studies and experiments shown that Biodynamic wines were found to have better expressions of terroir, the way in which a wine can represent its specific place of origin in its aroma, flavor, and texture.