The Italian wine law
The Italian wine is based on the European. Thus, the same rules apply in all European countries where wine is grown, with a few local exceptions. In some cases, the terms are different.
If the customer wants to buy a bottle of wine, the decision for which bottle is not easy. What should he focus on?
On the beauty of the bottle or the etiquette?
On the seller’s arguments?
On his experiences in the same field?
or by the information on the label?
The decision is not easy. Therefore, the legislator has created rules to protect the consumer and to give him a few clues.
In principle, a decision is made between wines with and without geographical indication.
Simple wines in Italy without geographical indications are called Vino d’Italia . In principle, the grapes for this wine can come from all over Italy.
In the case of a geographical indication on the label, a distinction is made between the two quality levels:
Protected Geographical Indications – IGT /IGP indicazione geografice tipica – e.g. IGT Toscana – the grapes must have been grown in Tuscany.
In the case of the protected designation of origin DOC – Denominazione di Origine Contrallata – the areas that are approved are fixed down to the plot. At the same time, the grape varieties and also the production methods are defined in these areas (e.g. Sangiovese in Tuscany).
As an increase, there is also the quality level DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) in Italy. These wines must not only meet the requirements of the DOC wines, but also that the wines are bottled in the respective growing area and undergo a taste test by the agricultural office.
In Italy there are 2 other quality features:
Classico – this term is reserved only for those wines whose grapes come from the core area of the zone. Often these are the best plants in the area.
Riserva – refers to wines that have a higher alcohol content and have matured longer than the guidelines of the respective appellation prescribe at least.
An example from Tuscany, Chianti Classico, from the original core zone of Chianti, which has been aged longer than prescribed and is therefore a Riserva.