Denominación de Origen (DO)

[deh-naw-mee-nah-THYON deh aw-REE-hen] The Spanish system for wine classification that fits the requirements of the European Economic Community's top-quality wine category. This "designation of origin" is similar to France's appellation d'origine contrôlée. Most experts, however, don't think the Spanish standards are as high because approximately 50 percent of the Spanish wines qualify, compared to only about 25 percent of those in France. To qualify for Denominación de Origen (DO) status, wines must meet specific requirements including geographic areas where the grapes must be grown and the wines made, grape varieties permitted in that area, vineyard practices, maximum yield, minimum alcohol content, and winemaking practices. The first DO-rioja-was established in 1926; there are now close to forty areas with DO status. Each DO has its own governing body (consejo regulador) that may implement stricter rules for the crianza, reserva and gran reserva wines than those imposed by federal standards. See also denominación de origen calificada.