PDO and DOC are terms that convey information to the public about the qualities and characteristics of a certain product.
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is used within the EU, and is associated with food products (e.g. cheese, vinegar, prosciutto, etc.) and beverages (e.g. wine). PDO communicates that the product originates from a certain place, region or, in exceptional cases, country. Furthermore, the product has qualities or characteristics that depend essentially or exclusively on a particular geographical environment and its inherent natural and human factors, and its production takes place in that defined geographical area.
For wines, in Italy PDOs are classified as DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita).