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 · Lombardy

What to eat in Lombardy

The dishes to look out for on menus and the products protected by a European designation: 27 PDOs and PGIs, plus 41 wines and the spirits.

27 PDO and PGI products26 PDO wines · 15 PGI

Dishes to try

Risotto alla milanese and cotoletta Milan's signature dishes.
Ossobuco and cassoeula for winter.
Pizzoccheri and sciatt in the Valtellina, with Casera cheese.
Casoncelli the filled pasta of Bergamo and Brescia.
Pumpkin tortelli in Mantua.
Panettone Milan's Christmas cake.
Franciacorta, Oltrepò, Valtellina Superiore the wines of Lombardy.

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 13

Bitto PDO
Formaggella del Luinese PDO
Formai de Mut dell'Alta Valle Brembana PDO
Gorgonzola PDO
Grana Padano PDO also in other regions
Nostrano Valtrompia PDO
Provolone Valpadana PDO also in other regions
Quartirolo Lombardo PDO
Salva Cremasco PDO
Silter PDO
Strachitunt PDO
Taleggio PDO
Valtellina Casera PDO

Cured meats and meat 5

Fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains 4

Asparago di Cantello PGI
Mela di Valtellina PGI
Melone Mantovano PGI also in other regions
Pera Mantovana PGI

Extra virgin olive oils 2

Garda PDO also in other regions
Laghi Lombardi PDO

Wines

26 designations of origin (DOC and DOCG, “PDO” in the European register) and 15 typical geographical indications (IGT, “PGI”).

DOC and DOCG 26

IGT 15

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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