Wine Laws in Italy | Italian Wine Quality System

There are four different quality levels in Italy, 2 at QWPSR (Quality Wine Produced in Specified Region) and 2 at Table Wine Level. Their current hierarchy is shown below in decreasing order:

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) These wines must meet all the DOC requirements stated next as well as

  • must be bottled in the wine region of production
  • subject to a Ministry of Agriculture Tasting Approval
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
  • Geographical area must be specified
  • only certain grape varieties are permitted
  • minimum alcohol level is controlled
  • may also stipulate the production method such as minimum ageing
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
  • Equivalent to Vins de Pays in France
  • under this quality level, more freedom in both wine grape varieties and vine areas
  • it is commonly used for new ideas of wine making and creating brands
Vihno de Messa
  • Equivalent to Vins de Table in France
  • cannot specify wine grape variety, geographical source and the vintage on wine labels

Additional Terms:

Classico
 This indicates that wines are made from the original and better vineyards which are usually located on hill.
Riserva Indicates that wines has been aged longer. it may not be necessarily related to wine quality
Passito A dry or sweet (usually) wine made from partially dried grapes.