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 · Emilia-Romagna

What to eat in Emilia-Romagna

The dishes to look out for on menus and the products protected by a European designation: 42 PDOs and PGIs, plus 30 wines and the spirits.

42 PDO and PGI products21 PDO wines · 9 PGI

Dishes to try

Tortellini in brodo in broth, in Bologna and Modena.
Tagliatelle al ragù and green lasagne the Bolognese Sunday lunch.
Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham straight from the dairies and ham producers.
Culatello di Zibello the king of cured meats, from the Parma Bassa.
Traditional balsamic vinegar aged at least 12 years in Modena and Reggio.
Piadina and cappelletti in Romagna.
Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Albana the region's wines.

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.

Cheese 5

Formaggio di Fossa di Sogliano PDO also in other regions
Grana Padano PDO also in other regions
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO
Provolone Valpadana PDO also in other regions
Squacquerone di Romagna PDO

Cured meats and meat 12

Fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains 13

Aglio di Voghiera PDO
Amarene Brusche di Modena PGI
Anguria Reggiana PGI
Asparago verde di Altedo PGI
Ciliegia di Vignola PGI
Fungo di Borgotaro PGI also in other regions
Marrone di Castel del Rio PGI
Melone Mantovano PGI also in other regions
Patata di Bologna PDO
Pera dell'Emilia Romagna PGI
Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI
Riso del Delta del Po PGI also in other regions
Scalogno di Romagna PGI

Extra virgin olive oils 2

Brisighella PDO
Colline di Romagna PDO

Bread, pasta and sweets 5

Vinegars, honey, spices and more 4

Spirits and liqueurs 1

Nocino di Modena GI

Wines

21 designations of origin (DOC and DOCG, “PDO” in the European register) and 9 typical geographical indications (IGT, “PGI”).

DOC and DOCG 21

Bosco Eliceo PDO
Colli Bolognesi PDO
Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto PDO
Colli d'Imola PDO
Colli di Faenza PDO
Colli di Parma PDO
Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa PDO
Colli Piacentini PDO
Colli Romagna centrale PDO
Emilia-Romagna PDO
Gutturnio PDO
Lambrusco di Sorbara PDO
Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro PDO
Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce PDO
Modena / di Modena PDO
Ortrugo dei Colli Piacentini / Ortrugo – Colli Piacentini PDO
Reggiano PDO
Reno PDO
Rimini PDO
Romagna PDO
Romagna Albana PDO

IGT 9

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

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