RELATIONSHIPS
PDO/PGI and traditional indications: Comparative approach
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Place of origin
PDO／PGI
Additional labeling
Varieties, Vintage, and Type
Tradition
Labelling and production of Retsina
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Framework for place of origin
PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin, and PGI means Protected Geographical Indication. In Greek, they are sometimes abbreviated as ΠΟΠ and ΠΓΕ. The previous appellations AOQS and AOC can be organized as predecessors to the current PDO.
Being a PDO does not mean the same grape or method is used nationwide. You must move to the actual regulations for each specific name, such as Naoussa, Nemea, or Santorini.
FIELD NOTE 02
There are also categories without a place of origin.
In addition to PDO/PGI, there are categories where variety name or harvest year can be indicated if conditions are met. Having a variety name on the label and having a protected place of origin are separate pieces of information.
When reading a label, first distinguish which words are places, and which are grape varieties or wine styles. It's important not to treat every unfamiliar word as a place name.
FIELD NOTE 03
Retsina is not a single PDO.
Retsina has traditional labeling status and some come with geographical indication. Do not confuse the “Retsina” production method with specific origin names.
Regulatory details are subject to revision. In cases where outdated guidance remains, such as the Assyrtiko percentage for dry whites of Santorini, match it with the latest official announcement and harvest year. When reading sources, distinguish between guide pages and amendment documents.
Each specific Protected Designation of Origin has different regulations. Confirm each PDO name and wine type.
PAUSE & REFLECT
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Can you identify the variety of a wine just from the abbreviation PDO?
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Each specific Protected Designation of Origin has different regulations. Confirm each PDO name and wine type.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
- Wines of Greece｜Wine Classifications ↗
- Wines of Greece｜List of Appellations ↗
- EU Official Journal｜Santorini Specification Amendment (2022/C 143/09) ↗