Italiansrus.com Your guide to Italy & Italian Culture
on the Web. Enjoy as you learn more
about the traditions, heritage and way
of life that make Italians who they are.
Home Advertise Articles Email Forum News Store
Resources
Art, Cuisine, Famous Italians, Festivals, Folklore, Genealogy, Holidays, Maps, Photos, Real Estate, Sports, Travel and More
Surname Collection
Add your name to the collection.
Recipes
Authentic Italian recipes for you to enjoy.
Photo Galleries
Enjoy photos of Italy, wine making & more.
Proverbi
Proverbs in Italian & English.
Our Paesani
Weekly column dedicated to today's Italy.
by Francesca Di Meglio
Italian Memories
Articles on growing up Italian.
by Cookie Curci
Learn Italian
English-Italian guides
Spanish-Italian guides.
Gift Guide


Books | Calendars Clothing | Music Posters/Prints Videos
Regional Guides
Guides to Italy's regions.
Molto Italiano
Sign up for our FREE newsletter.
Trivia
Test your knowledge of Italy.
Italian Wine Classifications

by Anthony Parente

Which country is the largest wine producer in the world? That's right the answer is Italy. In fact there is in excess of 3,800 different varieties of wine produced by all 20 regions of Italy. It's no wonder that Italy is the largest producer in the world. There are currently four different classifications that all of the wines produced in Italy fall within.

  • The highest classification is the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita = Certification of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), which was established in 1980. At the beginning five wines were promoted to DOCG status. They were Barbaresco, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano. Today there is currently 25 wines that have been given this highest classification. These particular wines must follow strict procedures. They have to be classified as a DOC for at least five years and they must surpass all other DOC wines in quality and characteristics. They must have characteristics related to the culture, environment, and climate. As you can see the guidelines for this classification are very strict.

  • The next classification is the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata = Certification of Controlled Origin), which was created in 1963. There are approximately 300 wines classified as DOC located throughout Italy. This particular classification designates the production area. These wines must have attributes that are significant to the area they are from. These wines have similar characteristics and guidelines as the DOCG wines.

  • This most recent classification is IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica = Typical Geographic Indication). As the acronym suggests these wines are related to the particular production area. This classification was introduced in 1992 and it approximately has 120 areas in its classification. Since this is a recent classification these numbers should increase.

  • The last classification is VdT (Vino da Tavola = Table Wine). This classification is where most of the wines fall into. This basically means that these wines do not have any designation. The labels on these wine bottles are not permitted to list the vintage or grape variety. This doesn't mean that these wines are not extraordinary in quality. In fact these wines are excellent wines to drink. It is unfortunate that many wines in this classification can only be found in Italy and have not been exported to other countries.

    In addition to these classifications all wine bottles must contain the name, producer's name and location, alcohol by percentage, and the contents in milliliters. D.O.C.G. wines must have a paper strip seal of guarantee.

    Related Information:

    • Featured Item


    Embroidered Denim Shirt

    Partner Links

    Shops/Stores

    Italiansrus Gear
    Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products.

    RomeGiftShop
    Purchase souvenirs & gifts from Rome & Italy. Get FREE postcards from Rome.

    Italian Charms
    Huge selection of Italian charms and jewelry.

    FORZIERI.com
    The world largest online retailer for Premium Italian Fashions.

    Cuisine/Food

    ilmercatoItaliano.net
    The finest selection of authentic gourmet foods imported from Italy.

    CyberCucina.com
    Fine gourmet foods and more.

    Gustobene.com
    Use code Italiansruspromo to receive a 10% discount off your entire purchase.

    Real Estate

    Lokation Italy
    Leading agency for real estate in Abruzzo and Le Marche.

    Property in Italy for Sale
    HouseAbruzzo Estate Agents for Overseas Buyers of Property in Abruzzo & Italy: Houses, Land & Luxury Villas.

    Travel

    Rome Hotels
    Book your Rome hotels fast and easy!

    Tour Italy
    Customize your trip to Italy.

    Venere.com
    Find and book hotels, B&B's and apartments.

    HotelsItaly.com
    Book your hotel in Italy now!


    | Home | Email | Forum | Newsletter |

    Copyright © 1998-2008 Anthony Parente. All rights reserved.