Denominacion de Origen (DO)
Definition - What does Denominacion de Origen (DO) mean?
Denominación de Origen (DO) in Chile includes the defined wine regions including sub-regions and the zones and areas that establish the grapes' origin. This also means that wineries can only use such labeling with their wines when they are bottled within the same geographical DO. The notation of DO can be found on a Chilean wine label or as an import/export seal adhered the neck of the bottle.
Unlike the European wine laws, which are strict in use of how wines are ranked, Chile is much different.
Denominación de Origen translates as "Appellation of Origen" in English.
WineFrog explains Denominacion de Origen (DO)
Denominación de Origen (DO) in Chile has varying laws compared to other winemaking countries in Europe. In order to label a wine as DO, only approved varietals can be planted and hybrid grapes are forbidden; 85% of the grapes in the wine must be from the geographical area listed on the label.
In addition, the terms Gran Vino, Reserva, Reserva Especial, Gran Reserva, Superior, Selección and Reserva Privada can also be listed on the label. These, however, do not need to meet any restrictions on blending or aging processes. They are simply labeled as such by the estate for what may be their more prestigious wines. They do not guarantee quality.
The DOs in Chile are:
- Aconcagua
- Casablanca
- Maipo
- Rapel
- Curicó and Maule
- Bío Bío
