ITALIAN WINE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

ITALIAN WINE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

In 1963 the official Italian Wine Classification System was introduced. Since then, after a number of amendments and supplements and officially issued into regulations (1992). The last revision in 2010 established four basic categories to conform with the rules of the European Union (EU), including: Vino da Tavola: means “table wine” - wine with moderate quality. This classification represents the most basic of Italian wines.

The Vino da Tavola classifying catalog was established in the 1970s and 1980s by experienced winemakers who produce top quality (but unorthodox wine bottles because they cannot meet DOCG or DOC). This condition has gradually declined, however, since the introduction of the IGT classification with its more flexible production conditions, and the Vino da Tavola has gradually returned to its original state as the lowest rank of Italian wine quality ladder. These bottles often have no indication of the geography, grape origin or age on the label. (The label indicates alcohol basic indexs.)

Vini Varietali: (Varietal Wines) These are wines made mainly from (at least 85%) international popular varieties of grape (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah) or combinations of these grapes. The name of the grape variety and the season may be on the label but not geographically. (These bottles can be produced anywhere in the EU)

Vini IGP: Also known as IGT for wines produced in a specific region in Italy and follow certain rules regarding grape use, producing process, labeling instructions... As of 2016, there are about 118 IGP / IGT in Italy

Vini DOP: This category is divided into two different ranks for specific distinction. These are Vini DOC and Vini DOCG. In order to achieve DOC classification, wine bottles must be labeled with IGP / IGT for a minimum of 5 years and clearly defined for certain varieties and methods of production. As for DOCG, wine must reach DOC level for a minimum of 10 years with very strict regulations on grape use and wine production. This wine must be bottled where it is grown. It is not allowed to be carried in large boxes and bottled elsewhere.