Top Grapes
At Moonsail Wine Imports, we focus on being selective and reliable in the quality of wines we import. We believe that every wine starts with its grapes. We seek out vineyards that cultivate older vines and use farming techniques that foster long-term sustainability.
Wineries we partner with
1. Do not use pesticides
2. Use solar energy
3. Have old vines... with 30+ year old average
4. Specialize in indigenous grapes. Focus on grapes grown in their native soils, climates, altitudes, and conditions.
Spanish Denominación de Origen
The Spanish DOP, or Protected Designation of Origin, is controlled by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The system has several levels. One of the these levels is ¨Denomnación de Origen¨ which is reserved for the top quality produce. There is an impartial governing body that investigates and certifies the different products and levels. In order for a product to be qualified to receive a D.O.P. it must be of a superior quality, and must have the specific characteristics distinct to that geographical region and be made entirely from raw materials originating within that specific region. Like most of the Geographical Indications in Europe, a core component of the D.O.P. is the exclusive nature; therefore, any product that does not meet all of the requirements is forbidden to use the label or name of that designation.
In order for a product to be qualified to receive a D.O. it must be of a superior quality, and must have the specific characteristics distinct to that geographical region and be made entirely from raw materials originating within that specific region. Like most of the appellations, indications, and designations in Europe, a core component of the D.O. aka D.O.P. is the exclusive nature; therefore, any product that does not meet all of the requirements is forbidden to use the label or name of that designation.
D.O.’s That We Import:
The European countries all have their own versions of the Protected Designation of Origin. Some of the most distinguished ones are:
- France: AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)
- Italy: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
- Spain: DO (Denominación de Origen) and DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada)
- Portugal: IPR (Indicação de Proveniência Regulamentada) and DOC (Denominacão de Origem Controlada)
- Germany: QbA (Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete) and 'Prädikatswein' (formerly known as 'QmP' or Qualitätswein mit Prädikat)
- Austria: Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein, including DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus).