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Italian and European wine classification
Today there are two wine classification systems, one Italian and one European, each with its own acronyms.
The Italian classification, introduced by Law 164/1992, has recently been framed in the European regulatory context, however maintaining some specific original mentions:
- DOCG “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita” that means Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin
- DOC “Denominazione di Origine Controllata” that means Controlled Designation of Origin
- IGT “Indicazione Geografica Tipica” that means Typical Geographical Indication
The European classification, introduced with the Regulation CE 479/2009 and implemented in Italy with Legislative Decree 61/2010, is easier: it distinguishes substantially two large categories of wines, based on the presence or absence of the designation of origin. It is structured as follows:
Wines with designation of origin
- DOP “Denominazione di Origine Protetta” that means Protected Designation of Origin
- IGP “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” that means Protected Geographical Indication
Wines without designation of origin
- “Varietal wines”
- “Generic wines”
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Happy wine!
