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What does DOP mean?
Since the EU wine market reform of 2009, the abbreviation DOP has been the new designation for the highest level of the quality system in Italy, Spain and Portugal. It means "protected designation of origin" in the respective national language:
- Denominazione di Origine Protetta - Italy
- Denominación de Origen Protegida - Spain
- Denominação de Origem Protegida - Portugal
The DOP designation has officially replaced the former "controlled designation of origin": "Denominazione di Origine Controllata(DOC)" in Italy, "Denominación de Origen(DO)" in Spain and "Denominação de Origem Controlada(DOC)" in Portugal. However, these designations are still valid, as are the designations "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita(DOCG)" in Italy and "Denominación de Origen Calificada(DOCa)" in Spain, which are even higher under the old system.
DOP wines must come from a clearly defined geographical area, which can range from a single vineyard to one or more wine-growing communities to an entire region. In addition, they must meet strict quality requirements in terms of authorised grape varieties, cultivation, yield, harvesting and ageing.