🍷 Protected designation of origin

Protected designation of origin (PDO) is a protected name for wine from one place with special rules. It is fixed by European Union law. From the name a buyer understands where the wine comes from and by what rules it is made.

The rules set the borders of the area, the permitted grapes, the allowed yield per hectare, the production methods and often a minimum strength. All the grapes must grow in the named area, and the wine must be made there too. All this rests on terroir, the combination of soil, climate and local tradition. The label shows the name of the place, such as Bordeaux or Chablis.

PDO is stricter than protected geographical indication (PGI): the latter has softer rules, and part of the grapes may come from elsewhere. A designation of origin protects both producers and buyers, since it cannot be faked. But it does not guarantee taste, so one still has to judge by producer and experience. Different countries use different names: AOC in France, DOC in Italy, DO in Spain.