Italy’s ”Appellation” System Flashcards
As a member of the EU, Italy’s appellation system most conform to the two tiered standard that separates wines. What are the names of these two standards in the EU? What quality of wine do the separate?
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for “Quality” wines
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for “Table” wines
What are Italy’s names for the Protected Disignation of Origin (PDO), and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wines?
DOC and DOCG designations are used for PDO wines
IGT and vini da tavola (ordinary table wines carrying the basic “Italy” designation) make up the lower tiered PGI wines.
What names does Italy use for PDO and PGI categories?
DOP for PDO
IGP for PGI
What does DOCG stand for? What does a DOCG designation mean?
DOCG stands for “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita” This can be translated as “regulated and guaranteed place name”
A DOCG designation is the highest designation, requiring the most stringent rules regarding permitted varietals, yields, alcohol levels, and aging. In addition, DOCG wines must undergo chemical and taste analysis to guarantee typicity. Once the wine passes inspection, a numbered tape is placed over the capsule on the neck of the bottle which assures the wine has not been tampered with, or counterfeited after inspection.
What does DOC stand for? What does a DOC designation mean?
DOC stands for “Denominazione di Origine Controllata”
A DOC designation, and also QWpsr wines must adhere to regulations permitted varietals, yields, alcohol levels and aging, though these are not as stringent as the rules governing DOCG wines. These wines are not required to undergo any additional testing.
What does IGT stand for? What does a IGT designation mean?
IGT stands for “Indicazione Geografica Tipica
The IGT designation was established in 1992 in order to acknowledge wines that did not fit into the DOC category but were of superior quality to Italy’s table wines. The wines made outside of DOC/G rules, most commonly in relation to permitted grape varietals, often carry this designation and a property name. These are the wines that are known as Super Tuscans. As DOC/G laws changed to allow more flexibility. These producers chose to continue using IGT and proprietary names due to the high prices they have been able to charge. These wines still must meet rules regarding areas of production, permissible grape varietals and yields, but these are much the less stringent. Because of the more relaxed rules, IGT wines fall in the lower tier of EU classifications but many wines carrying the designation are generally considered to be of a higher quality than most DOCG wines.
What does a Vini da Tavola designation mean?
A Vini da Tavola or Table Wine designation is a basic table wine designation which will only state Italy as its place of origin.
What are the other two labeling designations that are controlled by law? What do they mean?
Classico: Refers to the original/ traditional production zone. Many zones have expanded over the years. Classico is used to denote the traditional/ original area that would have carried the DOC/G name. For instance, Chianti Classico refers to the original area set in a 1932 decree.
Riserva: Can only be used for wines aged at least two years longer than normal. Non-riserva wines.
What are other Italian labeling terms and what do they mean?
Superiore: This is a designation allowed in some DOC/Gs when wines meet more stringent requirements generally pertaining to yields and alcohol levels. Each DOC/G may have different requirements for the use of this designation.
Cascina, Fattoria, and Tenuta: Winery, “farm” or vineyard name
Cantina: Winery (Cantina Sociale denotes Co-op winery)
Produttore: Producer
Azienda: Company
Imbottiglato all’origine: Estate bottled
