What’s a PDO?

Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. In order to maintain the integrity and quality of these wines, the European Union has established a quality scheme called Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This system sets rules and regulations for the production, labelling, and promotion of wines within specific regions of Europe. This classification ensures that wines produced within those regions follow strict standards of quality and tradition, protecting the reputation and authenticity of each wine. The PDO designation is granted by the EU, and only wines that are produced within a certain region and meet specific production criteria are allowed to carry the PDO label.

The PDO system is extensive and complex, covering thousands of wine types from various regions in Europe. Until recently, wine enthusiasts and industry professionals had to consult various sources to understand these classifications.