What is the difference between PDO and PGI?

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin, DOP in Italian) means that every stage, from the raw material to the finished product, takes place in the stated area and follows a production specification. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication, IGP in Italian) means that at least one stage takes place there and that the product owes its quality or reputation to that place.

What about wines: DOC and DOCG?

In the EU register all Italian DOC and DOCG wines are PDOs, while IGT wines correspond to PGIs. DOCG is the highest Italian classification, with stricter controls, and it is shown on the label.

How do I recognise a PDO or PGI product?

The label carries the registered name and the EU logo: red and yellow for PDO, blue and yellow for PGI. In Italy you will usually see the Italian abbreviations DOP and IGP. The protected name cannot be used by products from other areas or made by a different method.

Food and drink · Abruzzo

What to eat in Abruzzo

The dishes to look out for on menus and the products protected by a European designation: 7 PDOs and PGIs, plus 12 wines.

7 PDO and PGI products10 PDO wines · 2 PGI

Dishes to try

Arrosticini mutton skewers grilled over embers.
Spaghetti alla chitarra with lamb ragù or tiny meatballs.
Pecora alla cottora mutton slow-cooked in a cauldron.
Brodetto alla vastese Vasto-style fish stew, with peppers.
L'Aquila saffron in risottos and desserts.
Sulmona confetti and parrozzo, Pescara's almond cake.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Trebbiano, Pecorino, Cerasuolo the wines of Abruzzo.

PDO and PGI products

The official list of products registered in the European Union, under their registered (Italian) names. Tap a name for its production specification and register entry.

Fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains 3

Carota dell'Altopiano del Fucino PGI
Oliva Ascolana del Piceno PDO also in other regions
Patata del Fucino PGI

Extra virgin olive oils 3

Vinegars, honey, spices and more 1

Zafferano dell'Aquila PDO

Wines

10 designations of origin (DOC and DOCG, “PDO” in the European register) and 2 typical geographical indications (IGT, “PGI”).

DOC and DOCG 10

Abruzzo PDO
Casauria PDO
Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo PDO
Colline Teramane Montepulciano d’Abruzzo PDO
Controguerra PDO
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo PDO
Ortona PDO
Terre Tollesi / Tullum PDO
Trebbiano d'Abruzzo PDO
Villamagna PDO

IGT 2

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PDO and PGI?: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin, DOP in Italian) means that every stage, from the raw material to the finished product, takes place in the stated area and follows a production specification. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication, IGP in Italian) means that at least one stage takes place there and that the product owes its quality or reputation to that place.
What about wines: DOC and DOCG?: In the EU register all Italian DOC and DOCG wines are PDOs, while IGT wines correspond to PGIs. DOCG is the highest Italian classification, with stricter controls, and it is shown on the label.
How do I recognise a PDO or PGI product?: The label carries the registered name and the EU logo: red and yellow for PDO, blue and yellow for PGI. In Italy you will usually see the Italian abbreviations DOP and IGP. The protected name cannot be used by products from other areas or made by a different method.

Source: eAmbrosia, the European Commission's register of geographical indications, names registered as of 11 November 2026. Some products are protected in more than one region; TSGs (traditional specialities guaranteed) are not listed, as they are not tied to a territory.

In the other regions

← Guide to Abruzzo