Wine culture has always been rooted in specific traditions and techniques, which reflect the unique character of each producing region. The soil, the climate, the grape varieties, the geographical position of the vineyards, all these factors influence the result of the wines, making each one reveal its terroir of origin. One way to preserve these distinctive characteristics is through the Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC), an extremely relevant system in the wine industry, responsible for protecting and enhancing wines.
The Denomination of Controlled Origin is a certification system used to guarantee the authenticity and quality of certain wines, being a classification that ensures that a certain wine was produced in a specific region, from grape varieties from this same region and followed, in its production process, traditional winemaking practices based on its own legislation.
In the 18th century, the Marquis of Pombal, the same man who demarcated the Douro region as the first region in the world to be delimited for the production of wines, created a control method that, over the years, evolved into the DOC classification. This control technique allowed for greater inspection of wines, mainly Port Wines, which at the time, no longer caused adulterations. As a result, by establishing the DOC seal, undue appropriation and falsification of wines is avoided, ensuring that only producers who meet the established criteria can use the appellation name on their labels, affirming their origin and quality. In this way, with the creation of Marquês de Pombal, Portugal becomes the creator of the Denomination of Controlled Origin.
By establishing these criteria, the DOC system became highly prestigious and responsible for the preservation of tradition and terroir, that is, the unique expression of the soil, climate and traditions of a region, in the same way that it came to help guarantee the consumer authentic wines, while valuing an entire cultural and historical heritage.
Another important aspect is the guarantee of strict control over production. This certification establishes detailed norms for viticulture and oenology, such as the types of grapes allowed and the minimum aging periods. In this case, traditional practices are highly relevant for the result of the wine, since the wines become faithful to their identity, with unique organoleptic characteristics.
In addition to these factors, DOC also plays an important role in promoting wine tourism. Wine regions with this certification become authentic destinations for wine lovers looking to explore and appreciate the diversity of flavors and aromas provided by each terroir. In Portugal, our regions such as Douro, Dão, Bairrada and Alentejo, for example, are regions certified with the DOC seal, and each of these regions has its own distinctive characteristics and winemaking traditions. This factor provides visitors with a wide range of wines with unique personalities.
A great example of learning more about how unique DOC wines are is to explore our nominations. Our Pacheca Reserva Vinhas Velhas Red 2020 Douro DOC is a true treasure. In the mouth, it reveals good aromatic intensity, being a very complex wine with elegant notes of chocolate and black fruits, such as blueberry and blackberry. In addition, it is very balanced and with present tannins, having a long and persistent finish.
Another great suggestion is the Pacheca Superior Tinto 2021 Douro DOC, a unique wine that has an intense young ruby color. In the mouth, it reveals itself with fruity aromas and strong notes of blackberries and plums, perfectly balancing with chocolate notes from the barrels. This wine highlights balance and present round tannins, as well as a persistent finish, a great option to discover the essence of the Douro.
See more DOC wines from Quinta da Pacheca
On the other hand, the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is responsible for ensuring that a wine was produced in a specific geographic region and that it meets established quality criteria. In this case, unlike the Denomination of Controlled Origin, the DOP is a classification that guarantees that the characteristics of a wine or product depend, for the most part, on the region in which they are produced, making all production focus on this same region. .
In this case, our indications focus on Dão, where it is possible to enjoy our distinctive and unique wines from Caminhos Cruzados. Starting with Caminhos Cruzados Tinto Alfrocheiro Dão DOP 2016, a wine from the Alfrocheiro variety, responsible for presenting an aromatic freshness and great ability to evolve in the bottle. Furthermore, this wine is distinguished by its variety of aromas and the balanced combination between a volume and a structure of great delicacy. This wine harmonizes perfectly with roasts and even with the emblematic codfish.
Our other suggestion is Caminhos Cruzados Colheita White Dão DOP 2020, a wine made from the Encruzado, Cerceal-Branco and Malvasia-fina grape varieties, capable of transmitting elegance and incomparable freshness. Also, it harmonizes with seafood and is the ideal option for those looking for a vibrant wine that tastes perfectly like Dão.
See more PDO Caminhos Cruzados wines
Discover these and several other options for DOC wines from Quinta da Pacheca and DOP wines from Caminhos Cruzados, and know that choosing these wines is sure to taste wines with a sense of place!
