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The classification of wine into categories solves two problems at once: firstly, it helps consumers to orient themselves and choose the best ratio between price and quality; secondly, it establishes clear standards, according to which a manufacturer can move from one group to another.
Any wine (red, dry white, sweet, table, etc.) can be assigned one of the categories. The type of wine determines its strength, sugar content and purpose. Category is a quality metric depending on the region of production.
General categorization
According to Council of Europe Regulation No. 479/2008 of April 29, 2008, all European wines, starting from 2012, are divided into three categories:
- AOP / DOP / PDO (Appellation d’Origine Protegee, Denominazione di Origine Protetta, Protected Designation of Origin) – replaces the highest category that previously existed in each country;
- IGP / PGI (Indication Géographique Protégée, Protected Geographical Indication) – local wine produced in a specific region and at least 85% consisting of grapes grown in the same area;
- wine – replaces the concept of “table wine”, which was used in the classification of different countries to designate drinks without characteristic regional features, table wine producers learned the right to indicate the grape variety and year of production on the label.
All manufacturers who were in the intermediate national categories, depending on their compliance with the requirements, fall into a higher or lower category.
It is interesting that paragraph 3 of article 59 of the Regulations states: “The inscription AOP or IGP may not be indicated on the label if the traditional term is indicated on it.” This means that there are “loopholes” left for producers from the basic national categories, and many winemakers successfully use them by applying “old” labeling to bottles. Therefore, along with the new pan-European, consumers need to know the national classifications.
Categories of French wines
It was France that first began to standardize the quality of wines. Subsequently, the created classification was borrowed by most European countries, creating their own national categories. The products of French winemakers are controlled by the INAO Institute (Institut National des Appellations d’Origine). There are 4 categories of wine:
AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee) – the highest category of wines controlled by region (appellation). The most stringent requirements are put forward for the quality of these drinks. The territory, varieties of grapes used, technology of cultivation and production, vine yield, strength, etc. are strictly regulated.
All AOC wines undergo a mandatory tasting before being sold. The abbreviation “AOC” or its decoding is applied to their label, where the name of the region is used instead of the word “d’Origine”. For example, for Bordeaux wines, this is “Appellation Bordeaux Controlee”.
Vdqs (Vin Delimite de Qualite Superieure) – wines with guaranteed quality parameters awaiting a higher AOC category. Although the requirements for these candidate wines are somewhat lower than in the first case, most producers try to meet the highest requirements.
For buyers, this means that they can purchase a VDQS wine, but receive a top quality drink.
VdP (Vin de Pays) – local wines. This group includes drinks made in France, but not included in the higher categories. Their varietal composition, blending and production technology are not so strictly controlled. Vine yield and strength requirements remain.
In fact, these are wines for the mass consumer, which do not have unique organoleptic characteristics (taste, smell, color), but their quality remains at a fairly high level.
VdT (Vin de Table) – table wines that pass only laboratory control. For their production, grapes grown in other countries of the European Union (european table wine) can be used. French table wines (from local grapes) are labeled “vin de table francais”.
Italian wine categories
In 1963, Italy created its wine quality classification system based on the unique climate and soil characteristics of the Italian wine regions. In many ways, this categorization resembles the French standards. Italian manufacturers are also divided into 4 categories:
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest category of Italian wines, undergoing strict control and tasting tests. It is very difficult to get into it. Until 2008, only 32 manufacturers received this honor. Due to strict selection, DOCG wines are very expensive. In fact, this category is positioned as an elite one.
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) – wines controlled by origin. Each wine region has its own organoleptic standards. Wines of the DOC category are analogous to French AOCs.
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) – local wines made only from grape varieties grown in a particular region. Their quality requirements are somewhat lower. In a literal translation into Russian, the category IGT means “typical local wine”.
VDT (Vino da Tavola) – ordinary table wines that do not have special requirements regarding grape varieties, production technology and blending. These can be very high-quality drinks, but without a distinctive feature inherent in any region.
Categories of Spanish wines
The Spaniards decided not to reinvent the wheel and borrowed the French classification with all quality standards, changing only the names. The Vineyards and Wines Act specifies the following categories of Spanish wines:
DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) – the highest category of wines, controlled by laboratory tests and tastings. In 1991, the Rioja wines received the DOC category, and in 2001, the producers of the Priorat area.
DO (Denominacion de Origen) is an analogue of the French AOC, but only producers who have demonstrated the excellent quality of their wine for 5 years fall into this prestigious category.
VDT (Vino de la tierra) – local wines, producers of which are required to indicate on the label the region of production, grape varieties and year of harvest.
VDM (Vino de Mesa) – table wines with minimal quality control. Can be made from any grape variety.
Categories of Portuguese wines
In many respects it resembles the previous classifications, but even more attention is paid to the regional principle. There are 5 categories of Portuguese wines:
DOC (Denominacao de Origem Controlada) – vintage wines with strict control of the name and origin. This category is famous for such wines as Madeira, Porto and Douro.
IPR (Indicacao de Proveniencia Regulamentada) – wines of regulated origin. The category has developed historically, it includes the products of 28 vineyards established by law in 1988.
QPRD (Vinhos de Qualidade Produzidos em Regioes Determinades) – quality wines produced to the highest standards in force in their region. The category can be additionally assigned to DOC and IPR wines if producers wish to emphasize the exceptional quality of their products.
Regina Wine – the best local wines fall into this category. There are no clearly defined standards regarding grape varieties, winemakers can experiment, creating unique drinks.
Table wine table wines subject to minimum quality requirements.
German wine categories
German winemakers focus on the aging of wine, and not on the region of its production. In Europe, only this categorization differs significantly from the French system. All German wines are divided into two groups: table and quality wines, each of which has its own subspecies.
Quality:
QmP (Qualitatswein mit Pradikat) – wines of the highest category with a minimum aging period of 5 years, some varieties can be aged over 25 years. Before going on sale, these wines undergo a mandatory tasting.
QBA (Qualitatswein Bestimmer Anbaugebiete) – wines produced in one of the 13 established wine regions in Germany. Must comply with local requirements for quality and composition. Verification is carried out through laboratory research and professional wine tasting of each manufacturer.
Canteens:
German table wine – German table wines containing at least 8,5% alcohol. They are produced without additives and dyes in accordance with established environmental standards.
German country wine – German local (special table) wines made in 19 regions from the most mature grapes harvested at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, the USA, Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and other wine-producing countries do not have their own categories of wines. Manufacturers can put whatever they want on the label. Attempts are being made to introduce quality classifications, but so far they are not fixed at the legislative level and do not require mandatory implementation.