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It is generally accepted that the wines of Italy are one of the main competitors of the world famous French wines. It is for this reason that the Italian government has introduced laws that regulate local winemaking.
It was decided to take as a basis the French model of “appellations controlled by origin”, which resulted in four Italian categories: DOCG, DOC, IGT and VdT.
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DOCG – what does it mean
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is a category of denominated wines controlled and guaranteed by their region of origin.
Wines labeled DOCG on the label hold the highest position among all Italian wines.
But in order to get the right to use this inscription on the label, the company must first pass a series of government audits.
If you see a special DOCG label when buying wine, you can be sure that the wine has been tasted and approved, and the selection criteria (such as grape varieties, yield standards, geographical origin, and sometimes aging in oak barrels) it is much stricter than for DOC wines.
DOC – what does it mean
Denominazione di Origine Controllata is a denomination wine that, like DOCG, is controlled and guaranteed by its region of origin.
This category includes wines that make up the majority of all noble wines in Italy.
Before receiving the inscription DOC on the label and bottling the wine itself, a series of checks must be carried out that meet strict requirements (territory of origin, grape varieties, alcohol content standards) in accordance with the law.
IGT – what does it mean
Indicazione Geografica Tipica – this category includes wines with an indication of their geographical location.
They are subject to controls in terms of grape varieties, alcohol content, yield and vinification used.
Today IGT accounts for about 20% of the total wine production.
Compared to other categories, this one is the youngest, it appeared in 1992.
VdT – what does it mean
Vino da Tavola – also called table wine, which is not subject to control of origin.
Obtained by blending wines from different regions of Italy.
They are not subject to DOC restrictions, and therefore their price is noticeably cheaper.
Popular brands of Italian wines
Chianti
The most famous Italian wine. Vintage red dry wine from the Tuscany region has the highest standard – DOCG, and it is produced almost all over the world.
Chianti rightfully occupies an honorable first place among Italian wines.
The aroma of wild berries, wild cherries and violets creates a special bouquet.
The taste of wine is sour, tart. Chianti wines are produced to the highest standards and are therefore valued above all others.
Wine Bardolino
Light ruby color drink. The acidity of Bardolino wine is above average, the taste is velvety, bright, memorable, slightly creamy.
Barolo
Red wine from the Piedmont region, marked with the DOCG quality mark.
It is made from Nebbiolo grapes. Aroma of Barolo is fruity with notes of flowers, resins and dried herbs.
The drink has a rich, rich taste with a wide range of unusual shades: eucalyptus, mint, camphor, wild garlic, chocolate, mulberry, strawberry, tobacco, plum, and white truffle.
Chardonnay
It is considered a classic among dry wines. Its flavor profile is very interesting. You can feel the tones of pineapple and bread crust in it, the drink gives off a light citrus range.
Dolcetto
Excellent inexpensive wine from Piedmont. Aged on berries and herbs. Ruby color, pleasant fruity taste.
Fraskati
The most famous old white dry wine, less often semi-sweet or sparkling.
On the palate of dry Frascati, hints of walnut are noticeable, while in the sweet, honey notes predominate.
Torgiano
It can be either white or red. The taste of white Torgiano is creamy with hints of pineapple, white flowers, elderberry. Red wine tastes tart, spicy with notes of violets, cherries.
Types of Italian sparkling wines
These drinks are unique in taste, and their aroma fascinates. Sparkling wines of Italy are at the peak of popularity anywhere in the world. Sparkling wines have been the best sellers for many years in a row:
Prosecco
Takes first place among the sparkling wines of Italy. Produced exclusively from white grapes. The aroma is saturated.
The wine has a soft, dry taste, less often with slight notes of sweetness, with a hint of apples and pears.
Mondro
Low-alcohol sparkling wine with a sweet characteristic taste of Muscat varieties, natural acidity and honey hues.
Asti
Refreshing, white sparkling wine, slightly sweet.
Wine of bright floral-fruity aromas.
The taste is dominated by fully ripened apricot and peach, sometimes pear.
franciacorta
White sparkling. Tones of roasted nuts, caramel, butter, red fruits, green apples, citruses are felt in the bouquet.
Sparkling wines in Italy are usually labeled Spumante, which means “foamy” in Italian, or Frizzante – “sparkling”, but less foamy than spumante.
Relevance: 07.08.2018
Tags: wine and vermouth