The label of an exquisite bottle of Italian wine can be considered as an identification card and must include an accurate illustration to inform the consumer of the essence of the product to which it refers.
Therefore, the label is very important in this class of drinks, since they determine the first contact between the consumer and the wine. For this reason, the label contains very important information about the wine and its properties, this must be clear, complete and verifiable.
The European Community has adopted a set of precise rules in this regard to create a normative unit at the European level, for this reason, the regulation brings D.O.C. AND D.O.C.G. under the acronym D.O.P. or the Protected Denomination of Origin.
Italian wines, main characteristics
Italy is the first country in the world in the production of wine and as if that were not enough, the second in relation to the grapes grown after Spain. Despite the controversy, Italy is recognized as the first European region where the first grape varieties came.
Currently, the country is divided into 20 regions, all producing wine. The wine is known and consumed throughout the world, but the grapes in common use are very indigenous and are not grown in regions outside of Italy.
Typology of Italian wines
According to community guidelines, Italian wines are classified according to the following official names:
DOCG (a controlled and guaranteed designation of origin)
A wine with a reputation in Italy and abroad. Regulations stipulate mandatory bottling of wine. DOCG wines must be sold in containers of less than 5 liters, such as asolo prosecco superiore.
It should be noted that Prosecco wines leave subtle fruity notes of flowers, citrus and stones at the same time, they are also accessible, easy to drink and fresh. They complement any aperitif with a strong acid and, often, a slight phenolic finish in the mouth.
DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin)
Created in a demarcated area, of small or medium size, which is why the wine always has its geographical name.
Production regulations are more serious than IGT, as wine must undergo significant chemical and sensory analysis before reaching the consumer. An example of DOC wines is Prosecco Rosé.
Vino da Tavola (table wine)
The most basic classification of wines, which can only be identified by winery or type of wine and name. The label cannot provide information on the harvest, origin or variety from which it is made.
They are wines that do not meet the standards established by other regulations, similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Qualifiers that may appear on Italian wine labels
- Riserva: this word is not synonymous with “reserve” in Spain. In Italy, it can mean the high quality of the selected grapes, made on the finest plots on the estate, or an above-average aging of the wines produced.
Unlike the 225-liter American or French oak barrels used in many other countries, aging is typically done in large oak barrels.
- Superiore: applies to wines with an alcohol content higher than the standard DOC, like an incredible bottle like Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore.
- Novello: it refers to new wines.
- Secco or abboccato: indicates a dry or slightly sweet wine.
- Amabile: A slightly sweeter wine than Abboccato.
- Sparkling wine: the manufacturing method is always described on the label, read one in Prosecco Frizzante.
Each region uses its own adjectives to characterize the wine. For example, in Tuscany it is very common to find the word “poggio” which means mountain.
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