How to Read Italian Wine Labels

Italian Wines
Italy is the number one producer of wine. They have over 300 zones that wine can be produced in and thousands of wine producers. Unless you are familiar with the soil conditions and weather of each zone for each vintage, the zone is not relative to your wine selection. What is important is Italian wines are classified by quality standards. Italy uses a modern method of classifying the wine they produce. There are four classifications. Two are in the EU category “Quality Wine Produced in a Specific Region” (QWPSR). These are the two highest catagories, “DOCG”, (Denomination of Controlled Origin Guarantee), “DOC” (Denomination of Controlled Origin). DOCG wines carry a government guarantee that the wine was produced aged and bottled under strict guidelines. In addition these wines are only available in a specified size bottle. Additionally the wine producer must limit the quantity of wine produced from the grapes. The wine must meet a minimum natural alcoholic content by type. There are also minimum aging restrictions. The first DOCG wine to go on sale was Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, from Tuscany. There are currently only three dozen wines classified DOCG since. DOC wines adhere to most of the same guidelines as DOCG wines. The main distinction is the quality of the wine and is determined by a blind taste test performed on DOCG wines. There are currently about 300 “DOC” wines. Growers can apply for any level certification. The other two are categorized as table wines. They are “ITG” (Typical Geographic Indication), and “VTD” (Table Wine). ITG Wines are produced in specific regions designated by the government. These regions are typically larger than a DOC zone. They must use approved grape varieties, but regulations on color, flavor and yield are not as strict as the DOC. “VDT” wines are the last category of Italian wine. They do not list the region, vintage or color of the wine on the label. Some of the frequently used phrases are included here. Tenuta is a large estate, Fattoria is a medium estate, Poderi is a small estate, Vigneto is titled estate, Azienda Agricola is an estate that produces wine and other crops, Azienda Vinicola is an estate that produces wine but also buys grapes from other vineyards, A Cantina is a Winery, Castello is a Castle, Cascina is a property that produces wine and other products, and a Carpineto indicates winemakers that are in partnership.

With Italian wines the classification, the appellation and the alcohol content are the key to picking out an appropriate wine. Chianti is usually a table wine and has a low alcohol content but you could get a high alcohol content in other verities so it is something you want to be aware of.