If you have studied or loved wine, you have probably heard terms like DOCG and DOC. These are the standards on famous Italian white and red wine bottles. So what is DOC? What is DOCG? Find out with Pasta Fresca right in the article below!
History of Italian wine law
Italian wine is one of the most famous and oldest wines in the world. The history of winemaking in Italy can be traced back to ancient Rome, when the Romans grew grapes and produced wine for religious and commercial purposes. However, Italian wine reached its peak in the Middle Ages, when Italian monasteries produced wine for religious ceremonies and sold it to other countries.
First version of DOC law
The original version of the DOC law distinguished only two categories of wine: wines from recognized historical areas, produced using traditional methods; and simple table wines produced for everyday consumption. However, this law quickly became outdated in the 1970s and 1980s as Italian winemaking changed fundamentally. Many wine producers began to adopt new and modern techniques that were not compatible with the current regulatory system.
Top producing regions are also upset that their wines are in the same category as many lower quality wines. In the 1980s and 1990s, two new Italian wine classifications were added: IGT and DOCG.
Modern Italian wine laws
Modern Italian wine laws are often called Denominazione di Origine Controllata laws, or DOC laws for short. Similar to the French AOC law, this is a wine origin control system. In fact, the term “Denominazione di Origine Controllata” can be literally translated in French as “Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée”. The laws governing the four classifications of Italian wine make the legal system more strict and specific. In ascending order, the four official classifications are:
- Vino da Tavola
- Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
- Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
These classifications are not necessarily ranked based on quality. Rather, they are simply classifications that govern the origin and production process of each wine. Some of the best wines produced in Italy can still fall under the IGT category, and even some DOCG-labeled wines are not necessarily considered the best wines in the region.
Distinguish between DOCG and DOC
If you are a wine lover, you have probably heard the terms DOCG and DOC when talking about Italian wines. But do you know what DOCG and DOC mean and what is the difference between them?
What is DOCG?
DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, which is a term referring to “area of controlled and guaranteed origin”.
This is the most advanced Italian wine classification system, established in 1980. To receive the DOCG label, a wine must comply with strict standards regarding origin, grape variety, production techniques, alcohol concentration, incubation time and quality. In addition, each bottle of DOCG wine must be inspected by an independent committee and have a government seal placed on the bottle cap for certification.
What is DOC?
DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, i.e. wine from a controlled origin area. This is an Italian wine classification system one level lower than DOCG, established in 1963. To receive the DOC label, a wine must also comply with standards of origin, grape variety, and technique. production techniques, alcohol content and quality, but do not need to be tested by an independent committee or affixed with a government seal.
What is the difference between DOCG and DOC wine?
The main difference between these two wine classifications is the level of control and quality assurance of the wine. DOCG wines are often more valuable than DOC wines due to the more rigorous production process and more limited quantities. However, this does not mean that DOC wines are not good or not worth enjoying. In fact, there are many famous and popular DOC wines in the world, such as Chianti, Pinot Grigio or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
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What is the point of identifying a wine as DOCG or DOC?
Just look at the label on any bottle of wine, including white and red wine, and you will see the following standard symbols:
- If there is the word DOCG printed on the label and the government seal on the bottle cap, it is a DOCG wine.
- If there is DOC printed on the label but no government seal on the bottle cap, it is a DOC wine.
- If there is no DOCG or DOC printed on the label, it is probably an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) or VdT (Vino da Tavola) wine, i.e. a wine of geographical origin or table wine.
Some famous Italian DOC wines
If you are a wine lover, you certainly cannot miss the following famous Italian DOC wines:
What is special about Teatro Nero D'avola Sicilia DOC Reserva?
Teatro Nero D'avola Sicilia DOC Reserva red wine is highly appreciated by the world's leading winemakers for its "youthful appearance" and excellent taste. Teatro Nero D'avola Sicilia DOC Reserva is made from 100% Nero d'Avola grape variety, giving it a strong yet seductive red color. The aroma of ripe fruit, the spicy taste of green pepper and a touch of oak stimulate all senses, bringing a surprisingly comfortable feeling.
Roceno Nero d'Avola Wine
Nero d'Avola is a powerful, rich wine with enticing aromas of black cherry, plum and licorice. This type of wine is often aged in oak barrels, making the wine more complex and mysterious. You can feel the flavor of raspberries and the sweetness of chocolate making it very appealing.
What is Jorche Riserva DOC Wine?
Jorche Riserva DOC Italian wine has a rose-red or burgundy color with lightly spicy aromas of plums, cherries, tobacco and spices. Jorque Riserva red wine is the perfect choice to enjoy with meat and egg dishes. The best drinking temperature for this wine is 16-18 degrees Celsius.
Monferrato Bianco Wine
Monferrato Bianco is a blend of the finest grape varieties, including Cortese, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. After being carefully selected, the grapes are transported to the factory for wine production. Monferrato Bianco has a beautiful straw yellow color, impressing the drinker as soon as it is poured into the glass. The delicate scent of fresh fruits such as pineapple, pear, orange, apple combined with floral scent gives you a very pleasant feeling. Everyone will be captivated by the flavor this wine brings.
Ending
Italian wine is a vast and exciting world filled with many different types of wine, each with its own distinct flavors and characteristics. And the DOC and DOCG classification systems are a useful tool that represents the standards of Italian white and red wines, thereby helping you choose high-quality wines that suit your preferences.
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