Denominação de Origem Controlada

The Denominação de Origem Controlada (or DOC) is the system of protected designation of origin for Portuguese wine regions established following Portugal's entry into the European Union in 1986. It is similar to the French Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), the Italian Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC), and the Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) systems. The DOC system replaced the earlier Região Demarcada system of distinguishing Portuguese appellations developed in the early 20th century.

Regulation

In addition to protecting the designation of origin, the DOC also establishes regulations aimed at maintaining the quality level of the wines associated with a particular wine region. This includes establishing permitted grape varieties, regulating maximum yields at harvest, establishing minimum alcohol content, and periods of bottle or oak aging. Producers are required to submit finished wine samples to a regulating body to ensure compliance with DOC standards.

Other levels

In addition to the top-level DOC designation, there are two secondary tiers: Indicação de Proveniencia Regulamentada (IPR) and Vinho Regional. IPRs are similar to DOC "in training" and indicate regions that have established their own regulating bodies but have not yet established an internationally recognizable identity for their wines. It is similar to the French Vin Délimité de Qualité Superieure (VDSQ) system. Vinho Regional is similar to the French Vin de pays and is sort of a "catchall" classification for wines that do qualify under the DOC or IPR designations.

See also

• List of Portuguese wine regions

References