Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC)
Definition - What does Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC) mean?
The Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC) is a system in Portugal which has been implemented to protect certain products for their designation of origin. It includes the regulatory system for not only wines, but butter, cheese and other designated agricultural products from Portugal.
For wines, the DOC is a set of regulations that creates a maintenance system for the production and sale of quality wines associated with certain regions.
WineFrog explains Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC)
Much like other major wine regions of the European Union with DOC and AOC regulations, Portugal has implemented the same. While it may have some differences, the system holds the same principals in the regulation of wine. It includes the regulation of the grape varieties cultivated, yields and harvest, the alcohol content allowable and aging restrictions. Like other wine regions of the EU, Portugal has a hierarchy in which they rank their wines according to each producer and the region they are found.
In addition to the DOC designations, there are two more levels Portugal utilizes:
- Indicacao de Proveniencia Regulamentada (IPR)
- Vinho Regional.
