Italian wine: what does DOCG, DOC, IGT, VdT mean + 7 popular brands
It is generally accepted that Italian wines are one of the main competitors of world-famous French wines. It is for this reason that the Italian government has introduced laws that regulate local winemaking.
It was decided to take the French model of "appellations controlled by origin" as a basis, thanks to which four Italian categories appeared: DOCG, DOC, IGT and VdT.
DOCG - what does it mean
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita - a category of wines with a name controlled and guaranteed by its region of origin.
Wines with DOCG on the label are the most highly regarded among all Italian wines.
But to get the right to use this label, the company must first pass a series of state inspections.
If you see a special label with the inscription DOCG when buying wine, you can be sure that this wine has been tasted and approved, and the selection criteria (such as grape varieties, yield rates, geographical origin, and sometimes aging in oak barrels) are much stricter than for DOC wines.
DOC - what does it mean
Denominazione di Origine Controllata - a wine with a name that, like DOCG, is controlled and guaranteed by its region of origin.
This category includes the wines that make up the majority of all fine wines in Italy.
Before receiving the DOC inscription on the label and bottling the wine itself, a number of checks are required that meet strict requirements (territory of origin, grape varieties, alcohol content standards) in accordance with the law.
IGT - what does it mean
Indicazione Geografica Tipica - this category includes wines with an indication of their geographical location.
They are subject to control in terms of grape varieties, alcohol content, yield and vinification used.
Today, IGT accounts for about 20% of total wine production.
Compared to other categories, this one is the youngest, it appeared in 1992.
VdT - which means
Vino da Tavola - also called table wine, which is not subject to control by origin.
It is produced by blending wines from different regions of Italy.
They do not fall under the DOC restrictions, and therefore their price is much cheaper.
Popular brands of Italian wines
Chianti
The most famous Italian wine. Vintage red dry wine from the Tuscany region has the highest standard - DOCG, and is produced almost all over the world.
Chianti rightfully ranks first among Italian wines.
The aroma of wild berries, wild cherries and violets creates a special bouquet.
The taste of the wine is sour, tart. Chianti wines are produced in accordance with the most stringent standards and are therefore valued above others.
Bardolino wine
The drink is light ruby in color. The acidity of Bardolino wine is above average, the taste is velvety, bright, memorable, slightly creamy.
Barolo
Red wine from the Piedmont region, marked with the DOCG quality mark.
It is made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The aroma of Barolo is fruity with notes of flowers, resins and dried herbs.
The drink has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a wide range of unusual aromas: eucalyptus, mint, camphor, wild garlic, chocolate, mulberry, strawberry, tobacco, plum, and white truffle.
Chardonnay
It is considered a classic among dry wines. Its flavor bouquet is very interesting. It has tones of pineapple and bread crust, the drink gives off a light citrus flavor.
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Dolcetto
Excellent inexpensive wine from Piedmont. Aged on berries and herbs. Ruby color, pleasant fruity taste.
Frascati
The most famous old white dry wine, less often semi-sweet or sparkling.
In the taste of dry Frascati, hints of walnut are noticeable, while honey notes prevail in the sweet taste.
Torgiano
It can be both white and red. The taste of white Torgiano is creamy with hints of pineapple, white flowers, elderberry. Red wine tastes tart, spicy with notes of violets and cherries.
Types of Italian sparkling wines
These drinks are unique in taste and their aroma is mesmerizing. Italian sparkling wines are at the peak of popularity anywhere in the world. For many years, sparkling wines have been the best-selling wines:
Prosecco
Ranks first among the sparkling wines of Italy. Made exclusively from white grapes. The aroma is intense.
The wine has a mild, dry taste, less often with slight notes of sweetness, with a hint of apples and pears.
Mondro
Low-alcohol sparkling wine with a sweet characteristic taste of nutmeg varieties, natural acidity and honey hints.
Asti
Refreshing, white sparkling wine, slightly sweet.
Wine of bright floral and fruity aromas.
The taste is dominated by fully ripened apricot and peach, sometimes pear.
Franciacorta
White sparkling wine. The bouquet is characterized by tones of roasted nuts, caramel, butter, red fruits, green apples, citrus.
Sparkling wines in Italy are usually labeled Spumante, which means "frothy" in Italian, or Frizzante, which means "sparkling" but less frothy than spumante.
Update: 07.08.2018
Category: Wine and Vermouth