What are the two primary classifications of wine in France?

The two primary classifications of wine in France are indeed AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) and Vin de France.

AOC is a system that regulates the production of wine based on specific geographic locations and traditional practices. It assures consumers of the quality and characteristics of the wine they are purchasing, as it is tied to the region's terroir, grape varieties, and production methods. This classification includes various levels of specificity, providing detailed regulations that winemakers must follow to produce wines under this designation.

Vin de France, on the other hand, is a more general classification that encompasses wines produced in France but not bound by the strict regulations of the AOC system. This category allows for more flexibility in winemaking, enabling producers to create wines that may not fit within the typical AOC criteria while still showcasing the potential of French grapes and styles.

While the other options mention classifications relevant to specific categories or terms associated with wine in France, they do not reflect the primary overarching classifications that encompass the entire wine production system in the country. For instance, Vin de Pays refers to wines from specific regions but is one step below AOC in terms of quality hierarchy. Similarly, Grand Cru and Premier Cru are specific classifications related to individual