AOC Alsace wines are designated for wines made from grapes grown within precisely defined boundaries, which are established based on historical growing areas in the Alsace region. These boundaries are crucial as they ensure the authenticity and quality associated with the Alsace AOC designation.

Wines under the AOC Alsace appellation can be either varietal or blended. When made from a single grape variety, the name of the grape can be mentioned on the label, highlighting the varietal character of the wine. Common grape varieties used include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat. However, AOC Alsace wines can also be blends of several grape varieties. These blended wines are sometimes referred to as 'Edelzwicker,' a traditional Alsace term for a blend of noble grape varieties.

A unique and distinguishing feature of AOC Alsace wines is their packaging. By law, these wines must be sold in a distinctive bottle shape known as the 'Flute of Alsace' or 'Wine of the Rhine' bottle. This tall, slender bottle is a traditional and iconic symbol of Alsace wines. Since 1972, regulations mandate that all AOC Alsace wines must be bottled in their region of production, further ensuring the authenticity and traceability of these wines.

To maintain the high standards associated with the AOC Alsace label, these wines undergo continuous and rigorous control. This control encompasses both organoleptic (sensory) analysis and checks on the production methods, including the management of vineyards and cellars. An independent organization governed by the Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) oversees this process. The INAO ensures compliance with a detailed specifications book, which outlines the obligations of winemakers in Alsace. These obligations cover various aspects of wine production, such as vine training techniques, the types of grape varieties planted, yield limits, and harvesting methods. By adhering to these strict guidelines, AOC Alsace wines maintain their distinctive quality and character, reflecting the rich winemaking heritage of the Alsace region.

Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) is a European certification that designates and protects agricultural products, especially wines, cheeses, and other regional specialties, that originate from specific geographical areas. The designation ensures that the product is made using traditional methods and ingredients sourced from the defined region.

1. Geographical Link: The product must come from a specific area, and its characteristics are deeply tied to the local climate, soil, and know-how.

2. Traditional Methods: The production, processing, and preparation of the product must adhere to established techniques passed down through generations.

3. Strict Regulation: Standards for production and quality are rigorously defined and monitored by regulatory bodies.

The AOP label, introduced in 1992 under European Union law, replaced many national systems like the French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). It is considered the highest level of protection and authenticity for regional products in Europe.

Bioland is the certification body for the Bioland association, one of the largest organic farming organizations in Europe, headquartered in Germany. It ensures that farmers, processors, and businesses comply with Bioland's strict organic standards, which go beyond the requirements of the EU Organic Regulation.

### Key Points:

- **Certification Focus**: Biolandcert oversees the certification of organic farming, food production, and related processing practices based on Bioland's ecological and sustainability guidelines.

- **Standards**: These standards prioritize soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and sustainable practices, emphasizing regional and closed-loop systems.

- **Scope**: It certifies farms, food manufacturers, and even retail outlets that want to label their products with the Bioland logo.

- **Membership**: Farmers and businesses must adhere to these standards to gain and maintain Bioland certification, benefiting from the association's reputation for high-quality organic products.

If you’re interested in Biolandcert for a specific purpose, like certification details or eligibility, let me know!

Origin of the wines - from the best Rheingau locations

Grape varieties - 100% Riesling

Oenological values ​​- fully ripe grapes with sufficient acidity, which guarantees longer shelf life

Type - a balanced, classic Rheingau Riesling that is dry and goes well with food

Testing procedure - the wine quality is blindly ensured by a testing committee

Sales - from September 1st of the year following the harvest

Description - CHARTA-RIESLING, without vineyard name

Equipment - Can be recognized by the CHARTA capsule with the Romanesque double arches

Currently 12 VDP wineries in the Rheingau produce CHARTA wines

Allendorf Winery , Barth Winery and Sparkling Wine , Diefenhardt Winery , August Eser Winery , Freimuth Winery , Flick Winery , Johannishof Winery , Jakob Jung Winery , Baron Knyphausen Winery , Spreitzer Winery , Wegener Winery , Robert Weil Winery

Quality wines with typical features - the classic wines of the region

Balanced entry-level wines, for everyday drinking