Italian wine laws are structured under a system that classifies wines based on their origin, quality, and traditional production methods. The primary goal of these laws is to protect the heritage and uniqueness of Italian wine production, ensuring that consumers get what they expect from specific wine regions.
The highest classification in the Italian wine hierarchy is the DOCG. Wines under this category undergo rigorous testing and must meet strict production criteria. They must also pass a panel tasting to ensure quality. Examples include Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Chianti Classico.
DOC wines are next in the hierarchy. These wines must come from a specific region and adhere to rules regarding grape varieties, yield, alcohol content, and aging. However, the requirements are less stringent than those for DOCG wines. Well-known DOC wines include Chianti and Valpolicella.
IGT is a more flexible classification introduced in 1992 to allow for innovation and quality improvement. It's similar to the French Vin de Pays but with less stringent rules, giving winemakers more freedom to experiment with grape varieties and winemaking techniques. An example of an IGT wine that gained international recognition is Super Tuscan.
The lowest tier in Italian wine classification is Vino da Tavola, which translates to 'table wine'. These wines have minimal regulations and can be produced anywhere in Italy without geographic indication. However, this category also includes some high-quality wines where producers choose not to conform to DOC or DOCG regulations.
The history of Italian wine law can be traced back to the early 20th century:
These laws are part of Italy's commitment to the European Union's wine regulations, which aim to protect consumers and preserve the cultural heritage of wine production across member states.