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 · Liguria

What to eat in Liguria

The dishes to look out for on menus and the products protected by a European designation: 5 PDOs and PGIs, plus 13 wines.

5 PDO and PGI products8 PDO wines · 5 PGI

Dishes to try

Pesto alla genovese with basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano, pecorino and olive oil.
Focaccia in Genoa, dunked in milky coffee for breakfast.
Focaccia di Recco thin, filled with stracchino cheese.
Farinata a chickpea flatbread baked in a wood-fired oven.
Trofie and trenette with pesto and potatoes.
Monterosso anchovies fried, stuffed or salted.
Vermentino, Rossese, Sciacchetrà the wines of the coast.

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.

Wines

8 designations of origin (DOC and DOCG, “PDO” in the European register) and 5 typical geographical indications (IGT, “PGI”).

DOC and DOCG 8

Cinque Terre / Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà PDO
Colli di Luni PDO
Colline di Levanto PDO
Pornassio / Ormeasco di Pornassio PDO
Portofino / Golfo del Tigullio - Portofino PDO
Riviera ligure di Ponente PDO
Rossese di Dolceacqua / Dolceacqua PDO
Val Polcèvera PDO

IGT 5

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 Liguria

What to eat in Liguria

Dishes to try

PDO and PGI products

Fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains 2

Extra virgin olive oils 1

Bread, pasta and sweets 1

Fish 1

Wines

DOC and DOCG 8

IGT 5

Frequently asked questions

In the other regions