Italian Wine Law

Question 1

When was the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) system introduced in Italy?

Answer 1

1963

Question 2

Which system served as a model for the Italian DOC system?

Answer 2

The French AOC System

Question 3

What aspects of wine production are regulated under the DOC system?

Answer 3

• Maximum yields
• Approved varieties
• Viticultural practices
• Geographical boundaries
• Vinification techniques, styles
• Minimum/maximum alcohol levels

Question 4

What is the DOCG category, and when was it first awarded?

Answer 4

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) is a higher quality designation introduced in 1963, first awarded in 1980

Question 5

Which wines were the first to be upgraded to DOCG status in 1980?

Answer 5

Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Question 6

What issue arose with the DOC and DOCG systems over time?

Answer 6

The system became unwieldy, too lenient, and led to consumer confusion due to an excess of DOC zones

Question 7

What category did some of Italy’s finer producers use to release wines that didn’t conform to DOC regulations?

Answer 7

Vino da Tavola

Question 8

What was Goria’s Law, introduced in 1992?

Answer 8

A reform law that established the category of Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT), offering winemakers wider freedoms

Question 9

When did the first IGT wines appear?

Answer 9

1994

Question 10

How does the European Union classify IGT, DOC, and DOCG wines?

Answer 10

IGT wines as PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and DOC/DOCG wines as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)

Question 11

What happened to Italy’s appellation system between 2008 and 2011?

Answer 11

Jurisdiction over the final approval of new appellations transferred from Rome to Brussels, leading to a surge in new DOC and DOCG appellations

Question 12

How many DOCGs were there in Italy by late 2011?

Answer 12

73 DOCGs

Question 13

What was Italy’s 77th DOCG, and when was it approved?

Answer 13

Canelli, approved in 2023

Question 14

What are the four main categories of Italian wine classification?

Answer 14

• Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
• Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
• Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) / Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
• Vino (formerly Vino da Tavola)