Histoire et évolution des appellations d'origine françaises

Understanding history and considering the future of appellations of origin

¹ INAO Montreuil, France
² Pr. émérite, Université de Bourgogne, Chaire Unesco Culture et tradition du vin, France
³ Dr. GIP Pole Bourgogne Vigne et Vin, France

Abstract

During the 20th century, wine appellations of origin have largely developed to represent a significant part of the wine production of some countries, especially in Europe. The globalization of the production, trade and consumption of wine is a major fact of the 21st century economy. The question of appellations of origin and more generally geographical indications must be asked: Is it a survival 100 years after the first law on appellations of origin was adopted in France? Historical knowledge makes it possible to understand how law, both national and international, has been marked by major developments in this area. Regulations on the origin of products have undergone significant changes over the last century, extending well beyond the wine and spirits sector to cover many other sectors. In addition, international institutions are very involved in the development of this concept, be it the FAO in order to protect and sustainably develop agricultural products from emerging countries or whether it is WIPO or WTO in order to implement protection of signs of origin in the context of intellectual property. Since its creation in 1924 the OIV has been largely attentive to the issue of appellations of origin, in their different forms, (AOP, AOC) and according to the country. It continues to play an important role in reflecting and thinking about the role of legal norms in the globalized wine economy and international trade. A symposium organized in Dijon in May 2019, has commemorated and evoked the centenary of the concept of the appellation of origin in France, bringing together speakers from several disciplines, including historians and jurists, on this theme of the appellation of 'origin. The proposed communication present the main orientations identified during this conference, and in particular the strengths and weaknesses of this concept vis-à-vis the theme of international protection.