Geographical Indications (GI)
The geographical indication identifies a spirit drink as originating in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of that spirit drink is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Natural, human and process factors are among the elements that help to create distinctive GI spirits.
Whereas spirits such as brandy, wine spirit, grape marc spirit, vodka and whisky are generic categories and can be made anywhere in the EU, Brandy de Jerez, Cognac, Grappa, Polish Vodka or Scotch Whisky are examples of EU geographical indications which can be made only in the named and protected area. They have an international reputation and are a source of growth and jobs in Europe because the production cannot be moved elsewhere.
There are 240 registered Geographical Indications (EU database) for spirits and they represent about 2/3 of our exports outside Europe.