What does AOC on a bottle of wine mean?

AOC stands for Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (in French). This is a system of legally defined and protected geographical indications used in France for wines and other agricultural products.

Here's what it means for a bottle of wine:

* Guaranteed Origin: The grapes used to make the wine were grown in a specific, defined region.

* Production Standards: The wine must be produced according to specific rules and regulations set for that region. This can include grape varieties allowed, winemaking techniques, minimum alcohol content, and other factors.

* Quality Assurance: The AOC designation provides assurance that the wine meets certain quality standards.

* Prestige and Value: AOC wines are generally considered to be of higher quality and value compared to wines without the designation.

Think of it as a badge of quality and authenticity for French wines.