Wine is grown all over France, and many varieties are produced across the country. French wines have more of a regional identity than a national identity and the quality levels vary, but different varieties are primarily associated with certain regions, like Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in Bordeaux and Syrah in Rhône. Since most varieties are associated with certain regions, if a Cabernet was grown in Rhône for example, the wine would be declassified to “Vin de Pays" or French table wine. They would not be allowed to use the appellation or place of origin. The appellation system is governed by a powerful oversight board and France has one of the oldest systems for protecting designation of origin and strict laws concerning winemaking.