The European Union assigns the trademark PDOProtected Designation of Origin to those foods whose peculiar characteristics depend essentially or exclusively from the territory where they were produced, both by virtue of natural factors (e.g. soils, climate, etc.) and human factors (production methods handed down over time, craftsmanship, expertise, etc.) that, when combined, produce a unique product outside of a particular production area, established by a special set of production rules that govern also the stages of production, processing and preparation.

In Italy, PDO for wines is classified as DOC and DOCG (respectively Controlled designation of origin and Controlled and guaranteed designation of origin), the highest distinctions traditionally attributed to Italian wines in order to ensure control and protect consumers, attesting their origin and good quality. By virtue of their customary use, the law establishes that these trademarks can be used in the designation of wines alone or along with the European trademark.