Classifications

DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) is Austria’s regional wine classification system, denoting wines that reflect the typical style and grape varieties of a specific region. DAC wines must meet defined quality and origin standards, emphasising regional identity and typicity.

Cru Beaujolais represents the highest classification of Beaujolais wines, made from Gamay grapes in ten distinct villages.

AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) is the European Union’s designation for wines with protected geographic origin. Replacing France’s former AOC system, it ensures that wines are produced within a specific area using approved grape varieties and traditional methods.

.

Amarone Classico refers to Amarone della Valpolicella wines produced in the original historic zone of the Valpolicella region. Made from partially dried grapes, these wines are known for their full body, concentrated flavours, and traditional regional expression.

Amarone is a dry red wine classification from Italy’s Valpolicella region, made using partially dried grapes through the appassimento method. This process concentrates flavours and sugars, resulting in full-bodied wines with high alcohol and complex, dried fruit characteristics.

Erste Lagen is a classification used by Austria’s Traditional Wine Estates (ÖTW) to designate premier vineyard sites with exceptional terroir. Applied primarily to Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, it reflects rigorous standards in viticulture and winemaking within defined regions.