The classification of Slovene wines by geographic origin is based on official definitions of viticultural regions, areas, sub-areas, and sites. The defining criteria are similarities in climatic conditions, soils, viticultural tradition, and grape varieties designated as suitable or recommended for cultivation.
Priznano geografsko poreklo (PGP) - best translated as "certified geographic origin" - is based on the largest viticultural territory unit, the viticultural region. This is the most permissive of the standard declarations of origin. The grapes for PGP wines must be grown within one viticultural region (that is, Podravje, Posavje or Primorje), although the wine may be fermented and bottled outside the region. The label applies to "dezelno vino" ("regional wine") which is classified as table wine.
Zasciteno in kontrolirano geografsko poreklo (ZKGP) - "certified and controlled geographic origin" - applies to wines grown and produced in a single viticultural region, for example, Brda. ZKGP wines must be produced from grapes declared as suitable for cultivation in the area and in accordance with accepted winegrowing techniques of the area. ZKGP is applied to quality and high- quality wines.
Priznano tradicionalno poimenovanje (PTP) - "traditionally accepted nomenclature" - is applied to wines produced in accordance with viticultural techniques specific to a particular winegrowing region. Although the region need not be explicitly stated with the PTP qualifier, the geographic origin is implicit in the name of the wine: typical examples of PTP wines are Kraski Teran (produced only in the Kras region) and the Cvicek of Dolenjska.
The relative strictness of Slovene legislation governing the declaration of geographic origin of Slovene wines also applies to exports. Slovene wines can only be exported bottled with original labels compliant with Slovene legislation; therefore, Slovene wines can not be exported in bulk for blending with wines from other countries. Only two other European winegrowing regions enforce similarly strict regulations: Alsace in France and Rioja in Spain.
