Denominação de Origem Controlada Denominação de Origem Controlada The denominação de origem controlada (or DOC) is the system of protected designation of origin for wines, cheeses, butters, and other agricultural products from Portugal. Portuguese wine regions, as well as producers of several other products, established this system following Portugal's entry into the European Union in 1986. It is similar to the French "Appellation d'origine contrôlée" (AOC), the Italian "Denominazione di origine controllata" (DOC), and the Spanish "Denominación de Origen" (DO) systems. The DOC system replaced the earlier "Região Demarcada" system of distinguishing Portuguese appellations developed in the early 20th century. In addition to protecting
French cuisine contrôlée" (AOC) (regulated appellation) laws. French cuisine was made important in the 20th century by Auguste Escoffier to become the modern haute cuisine; Escoffier, however, left out much of the local culinary character to be found in the regions of France and was considered difficult to execute by home cooks. Gastro-tourism and the "Guide Michelin" helped to acquaint people with the rich bourgeois and peasant cuisine of the French countryside starting in the 20th century. Gascon cuisine has also had great influence over the cuisine in the southwest of France. Many dishes that were once regional have proliferated in variations