INAO

French · French appellation body

The INAO is the French body that publishes appellation specifications (cahiers des charges); final AOC certification of Champagne requires its approval after analysis and tasting.1,2

Its roots go back to the décret-loi of 30 July 1935, which created the Comité National des Appellations d'Origine together with the AOC.3,4 The INAO also oversees practical rules: approved pressing facilities in Champagne, the centres de pressurage, are subject to INAO and interprofession rules.5 Draft changes to the Champagne specification pass through its national committee, as in September 2024.6 The Champagne trade body is the Comité Champagne. See cahier des charges and Champagne law.

See also

AOCGlossarycahier des chargesGlossaryHow Champagne got its bordersHistoryComité ChampagneGlossary

Sources

  1. Cahier des charges de l'AOP « Champagne » - modifications approved by the INAO national committee on 11 September 2024 (national opposition procedure text) (2024-09-11)
  2. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). The slow awakening of the aromas
  3. Frise chronologique: 90 ans des signes officiels de qualité (INAO timeline) (2025-09)
  4. Comité Champagne (champagne.fr). Champagne and its history
  5. Union des Maisons de Champagne. Pressing
  6. INAO. Modifications du cahier des charges de l'AOP « Champagne » approuvées par le comité national (procédure nationale d'opposition), 11 September 2024 (2024-09-11)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19