There are five major types of sparkling wines that you'll come across when you travel in Italy: Prosecco, Lambrusco, Asti Spumante, Franciacorta, and TrentoDOC. Comprised of Italian table wines, whose only criteria is that they must be produced somewhere in Italy. Asti: Sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes around Asti, in Piedmont. And it should–after all, they are a top exporter and wine is part of their entire cultural identity. How to Decode Spanish Wine Labels and Classifications, The Difference Between Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Posted in DOC, DOCG, IGT, Italy, VdT. This is why IGT wines are often linked to the so-called "new wave" organic, biodynamic, and natural varieties being created across Italy. Understanding Italian Wine Labels: What Are DOC, DOCG, IGT and VdT? DOC: Denominazione di Origine Controllata The Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) system was first established in 1963 and today there are 329 different DOCs and 73 DOCGs. Among white, or bianco, wine grapes, the two that are commonly recognized types of Italian wine among people in the U.S. are the Muscato and the Pinot Grigio. Particularly versatile with food. Wine is so important to both the people and the Italian government that it soon became the country with the largest number of classifications (DOCG, DOC and IGT). … Sign up for our newsletters and be the first to learn about the latest news and promotions! This led to the 1992 Goria Law, named for Minister of Agriculture Giovanni Goria. 70,000 Acres – Piedmont – Barbera is the most produced Italian red wine of Piedmont. Basically the equivalent of the French wine classification, Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC). Many of the best wines are from the Alba or Asti zones. DOCG and DOC labels on two wine bottles. Some Italian whites are best known under the name of their denomination, like Gavi or Soave. Barbera. The best known Italian sparkling wine is prosecco. These classifications are DOCG, DOC, IGT, and VdT. 0. The original name translates to ‘table wine’  and is intended to distinguish it from region-specific wines. Vino da Tavola, now renamed simply Vino is the most basic classification of Italian wine. Only Italian wines fall under these classifications (known as appellations), but it can be hard to work out what they mean. A travel and inspiration guide Use Italian Wine Guide as inspiration for your next Italian wine shopping, as a reference, travel guide or another thing and become inspired to explore new, unknown wines. These wines are subject to much stricter wines than the latter option and are thus considered top of all the classifications. Italy makes more wine than any other country in the world. Based across Italy, London, and Copenhagen, Marco is a globetrotting sommelier and wine marketeer with a particular passion for Italian wine, particularly those from Tuscany. These suggestions may get you started on an Italian wine list, but know that these are just a few of Italy’s many wine varieties. Find your local Eataly to taste with us at our restaurants, or shop online at Eatalyvino.com to bring home a bottle (or two) today! Practices vary in different countries and regions of origin, and many practices have varied over time. Wines that fall under the DOC category must be made in specified, government-defined zones, in accordance with particular regulations that are intended to preserve the wine's character that is uniquely derived from Italy's individual regions. Barolo: Dry, full-bodied, magisterial wine from Nebbiolo grapes in the Barolo area of Piedmont. Their first classification system arrived in 1963, but … The country is known for its beauty and history, but the wine is just as important; Italy was one of the first countries to start producing it, even before 700 BC. Located in northwest Italy, Piedmont sits at the foot of the western Alps. Registered Eataly.com users may modify their preferences on the page "MY ACCOUNT". These letters are given to … So what makes a DOCG wine so special? To Italy! Everything from the way the grapes are transported from the vineyard to the cellar to the refinements and bottling is heavily controlled. Italian wine labels, just like those from France and Spain, are required by law to show certain basic information (producer name, appellation, vintage, alcohol content and bottle volume). Italian wine classifications. Basically, Italy takes its wine very seriously. The climate is … Dolcetto: Dolcetto is a soft, fruity red grape variety grown only in Piedmont, where it is drunk young … Among several other changes, the Goria Law introduced the IGT category as a way to distinguish quality in wine, and put VDT back on the bottom of the four-tier labeling system. Which European country will inspire your culinary journey tonight? Only a handful of wines achieve DOCG status. Happily, the wine classification system is much easier to … These letters are given to different wines depending on how the grapes are grown and the wine is made. These are not wines of finesse, they are explosive and among the richest, most decadent wines of the Boot, landing somewhere between a cult Napa Cabernet and a Port - yet remaining distinctly Italian. There are currently over 300 DOC wines in Italy, all adhering to specific vineyard trellising, irrigation and vinification requirements detailing which grapes may be grown and where along with aging requirements and alcohol limits. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). It is comprised of a relatively limited number of first-class wines. In the 1980s and 90s, some of the most respected Italian wines, such as Sassicaia and Tignanello, were labeled as Vino da Tavola. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) This classification denotes • Created to bring out the common characteristics of an area slightly larger than a DOCG wine, • Wines are subject to a single control with chemical and physical analysis and only one tasting panel, • You often find both red and white varieties of the same DOC, • This type of wine is usually made in the territory’s traditional way. This brings us to the highest wine classification in Italy, called DOCG, where the “G” stands for Garantita — a wine that is guaranteed to follow stringent wine making rules (the full name is Denominazione di Origine Controllatae Garantita) .It’s here where you will find some of Italy’s top wines — and sometimes at top prices. At the moment you can gain access to 1283 descriptions of different types of wines … Here’s a quick rundown of what each classification means. The Italian Wine Classification system (similar to the U.S. appellation system) is made up of four categories: This classification denotes the highest quality recognition for Italian wines. Compared to DOC wines, most DOCG rules reduce the allowable yield o… It is important to note that there are other classifications under the main four. • Grapes and wine still need to be produced within the "area of origin", • The wines are subject to analysis but there is not an actual tasting due to the fact that the flavor can differ from bottle to bottle, • Reds, whites and rosés can all be IGT wines. Devi effettuare l'accesso per aggiungere un prodotto ai preferiti, Copyright © 2015 - 2019 Eataly Net USA LLC - All Rights Reserved, Ravioli di Zucca (Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe), Agnolotti in Brodo di Parmigiano Reggiano. They’re badges of honor for many wine producers, as it means they have followed very strict guidelines to make great wine. Freelance writer and wine expert, author of ""Idiots Guides: Wine""; as well as several magazine and online articles. Spend just $99.00 more and enjoy free shipping. Some Italian … The DOC and DOCG categories were introduced in 1963 (DOCG remained dormant until 1982), and the IGT category … … But Italian wine is much, much more. Tuscany and Piedmont carry the most DOCG wines in Italy. In Italy, wine isn’t just a drink; it’s something that represents the history, society, food, geography, and the evolution of the country. It’s important to remember that while it is technically classed as below DOC, some of the best Italian wine is labelled as IGT. Wine is so important to both the people and the Italian government that it soon became the country with the largest number of classifications (DOCG, DOC, and IGT in particular). DOC or Denominazione di Origine Controllata is the main tier of classification for Italian wine and covers most types of traditional wine of Italy. At first this new DOC system ( Denominazione di Origine) adhered rigidly to traditional methods. 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