Vignobles de France - a non-event?
The French government will permit wineries to use the label "Vignobles de France" for wines that originate from anywhere within France, irrespective of region and grape varietal.
In my opinion this is pretty much a non-event for the quality wine producers, even those outside the AOC terroirs.
Some newspapers and wine blogs in the US argue that this is a "timely move - wine consumption in France is declining and America will supercede France as the world's largest wine producer". This would make it easier to understand French wine. A consequence will be to destroy the quality revolution that has taken place over the past two decades in non AOC areas, like the Languedoc. You can read this enlightening article here. Lire est un plaisir!
My best guess is that the "Vignobles de France" label is geared towards the mass market - the wines you buy at Safeway, WalMart and Costco in the US. It will have zero impact on the AOC producers. Above all I fail to see how the "Vignobles de France" label will make it easier to understand French wine or will make French drink more wine so they defend their # 1 spot as wine consuming nation. It might help French wine exports to the lowest end of the market and reduce the amount of wine being distilled into alcohol. C'est tout mon ami!
