View source for Geographical Indications (GI)

'''Geographical Indications (GI)''' are legal designations that link a product, including wine, to a specific geographical origin where its quality, reputation, or characteristics are essentially attributable to that location<ref>World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), “Geographical Indications”, wipo.int.</ref>. In the context of [[wine]], GIs protect the connection between a region’s [[terroir]], human practices, and the distinctiveness of the wines produced there.

== Background ==  
The concept of geographically identifying wine origins developed most prominently in [[Europe]], where systems such as the French [[Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)]] and later the European Union’s [[Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)]] and [[Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)]] formalised the relationship between place and wine identity<ref>Barham, “Translating Terroir: The Global Challenge of French AOC Labelling”, ''Journal of Rural Studies'', 19:1, 2003.</ref>. Internationally, the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) brought GI protection into global trade law in 1995<ref>Rangnekar, ''The Law of Geographical Indications'', Oxford University Press, 2010.</ref>.

== Legal Definition and Scope ==  
A GI is defined in European law as a name or sign identifying a product as originating in a specific region, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic is essentially linked to its geographical origin<ref>European Commission, “Geographical Indications: PDO, PGI and TSG”, ec.europa.eu.</ref>. PDOs are the strictest form, requiring all stages of production to occur in the region, while PGIs allow for more flexibility. In wine, these terms codify the influence of climate, soil, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions.

== Application to Wine ==  
GIs serve to protect authenticity and provide consumers with confidence that the wine’s stated origin is accurate. They also act as marketing tools, shaping perceptions of quality and value<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>. Labelling under a GI system enables wines such as [[Champagne]], [[Rioja]], or [[Chianti Classico]] to retain their distinct market identity while safeguarding producers from imitation. This framework also helps maintain cultural heritage and encourages sustainable practices tied to specific regions.

== Global Developments ==  
While rooted in Europe, GI systems have been increasingly adopted worldwide. Countries such as Australia, the United States, and Chile have created classification schemes that echo European models while adapting them to local conditions<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>. Disputes remain over translation and usage, as seen in conflicts over terms like “Port” or “Sherry” in non-European markets<ref>Bernard Marr, “PDO and PGI: Understanding Quality Indicators in European Wine”, bmwineguide.co.uk.</ref>. As global trade in wine expands, harmonising GI protections continues to be a challenge, balancing producer interests, consumer clarity, and international law.

== See also ==  
* [[Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)]]  
* [[Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)]]  
* [[Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)]]  
* [[Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP)]]  
* [[Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC)]]  

== References ==  
{{reflist}}  

[[Category:Wine law]]  
[[Category:Wine terminology]]