DO - Denomination of Origin
This designation is applicable to products whose originality and individuality are inseparably linked to a certain region, place, or traditional name, which serves to identify the wine product, being considered:
1. Origin and production in that particular region or place;
2. Quality or specific characteristics, due to the geographical environment, natural and human factors.
To benefit from a Designation of Origin, the entire production process is subject to strict control at all stages. The grape varieties used, the vinification methods, the organoleptic characteristics are just some of the elements verified for the attribution of this right, and it is up to the Certifying Entities to carry out the control, in order to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the wines. ( Law Decree Nº 212/04, of 23 August, art. 2, paragraph a))
PDO - Protected Designation of Origin
Community designation adopted to designate wines with Designation of Origin to which protection is conferred under the terms established in the regulations and which are part of a single community register. (Regulation (EC) Nº 1234/2007 of the Council of 22 October, with the amendments introduced by Regulation (EC) Nº 491/2009 of the Council of 25 May)
DCO - Denomination of Controlled Origin
Specific traditional term that can be used in Portugal on the labeling of products with a designation of origin. Reference to this statement does not require the use of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). ( Law Decree Nº 212/04, of 23 August, art. 8, paragraph a))
GI - Geographical Indication
Designation is applicable to products with the right to geographical indication produced in a specific region whose name they adopt, made with at least 85% of grapes from that region and from previously established varieties. Like wines with designation of origin, they are controlled by a certifying entity. ( Law Decree Nº 212/04, of 23 August, art. 2, paragraph b) )
PGI - Protected Geographical Indication
Community designation adopted to designate wines with Geographical Indication to which protection is conferred under the terms established in the regulations and which are part of a single Community register. ( Regulation (EC) Nº 1234/2007 of the Council of 22 October, with the amendments introduced by Regulation (EC) Nº 491/2009 of the Council of 25 May )
Regional Wine
Specific traditional term used for the labeling of wines entitled to geographical indication. Reference to this mention does not require the use of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ( Decree Nº 212/04, of 23 August, art. 8, paragraph b) )
Wine
Wines intended for human consumption that do not fit the descriptions mentioned above are considered wines. It must comply with the national and community provisions in force. ( Regulation (EC) Nº 1234/2007 of the Council of 22 October, with the amendments introduced by Regulation (EC) Nº 491/2009 of the Council of 25 May )