Greek wine laws were drawn up in the early 1970s and refined in the early 1980s as Greece prepared to join the eu. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the laws conform strictly to EU guidelines, in the past often employing the use on the label of the French terms appellation d’Origine Contrôlée. In 2009, in line with general EU changes to geographical indications, one quality category was designated pdo or Protected Designation of Origin. The words Réserve or Grande Réserve indicate superior wines with extended ageing.