How are wines classified in Portugal? We often find different designations on the wine bottles we choose, but the truth is that we don't always understand their meaning and purpose.
Like most names, the Denomination of Origin (DO) also arises through rules previously established by the European Union in order to protect certain names of products whose production and processing take place in delimited regions.
The Denomination of Origin concept is applied to products whose originality and individuality are inextricably linked to a particular region, place or tradition. It aims to identify the wine product unequivocally. To be considered Denomination of Origin, the wines are subjected to a high level of control at all stages of elaboration. The certifying entities examine the processes of elaboration and production of the wine, in order to preserve the quality and its unique characteristics.
Estas são as principais denominações:
DOP
Protected Denomination of Origin
Community designation adopted to designate wines with Designation of Origin and which integrates them into a single community register and gives them protection in accordance with the regulations.
DOC
Denomination of Controlled Origin
Designation attributed to wines from the oldest producing regions and, therefore, subject to their own legislation (characteristics of the soil, grape varieties, vinification, bottling)
IG
Geographical Indication
Designation attributed to wines produced in a specific region and made with at least 85% of grapes from that region and typical grape varieties of the region. These wines are controlled by a certifying entity.
IGP
Protected Geographical Indication
Community designation adopted to designate wines with Geographical Indication and which integrates them into a single community register and gives them protection in accordance with the regulations.
Currently, 33 Denominations of Origin and 8 Geographical Indications are recognized and protected throughout the Portuguese territory.
In Portuguese wines entitled to DOP and IGP there are certain classifications that can be used on the wine label, as long as the harvest year is indicated, more specifically:
Great choice
Wines with exceptional organoleptic characteristics as assessed by the tasting panel of the regional wine commission.
Selected Harvest
Wines with exceptional organoleptic characteristics and an alcohol content equal to or greater (by 1% by volume) than the minimum limit established by the tasting panel of the regional wine commission.
Cellar
Wines with a minimum aging time: for red wines at least 30 months, of which at least 12 months in glass bottles; in the case of white and rosé wines, an aging period of at least 12 months, of which at least 6 months in glass bottles.
Reservation
Wines with exceptional organoleptic characteristics and an alcohol content equal to or greater (by 0.5% by volume) than the minimum limit set and evaluated by the tasting panel of the regional wine commission.
Grand Reserve
Wines with very outstanding organoleptic characteristics and an alcohol content equal to or greater (by 1% by volume) than the minimum limit legally fixed and evaluated by the tasting panel of the regional wine commission.
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