Abstract

Today it is well known that "champagne" needs to be made within the french region of Champagne; all other products are simply sparkling wine. Why is this the case? The reason is the complex system of Appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) or "labels of controlled origin". This system regulates production of produits de terroir, which are foods deeply embedded within a specific place from which they gain their unique characteristics. An appellation of this system has a prestigious reputation that requires a passionate comprehension of geologic and cultural aspects of a delimited space. This system defines itself as constantly evolving and therefore, it is thought that the AOC system symbolizes a reaction to globalization due to its adaptions to the modern world. Despite this good reputation, the AOC system has many internal tensions that surround its founding concepts. In this independent study I explore the origins, the adaptations, and the tensions that remain in the AOC system today as well as the function of produits de terroir in the modern world

Advisor

Gamble, Harry

Department

French and Francophone Studies

Disciplines

Business and Corporate Communications | Food and Beverage Management

Publication Date

2013

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2013 Claire M. Lash