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Importers of Fine Wines Since 1919 | Resources for the Trade |
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The Italian Wine LabelThe wines of Italy are labeled by grape variety, by production zone and by proprietary names. Examples: The wines of Italy are labeled by grape variety, by production zone and by proprietary names. Examples: Production Zones: Varietals: Pinot Grigio is a grape variety and it is usually varietally bottled as Pinot Grigio throughout Italy. Proprietary Names: Rosa Regale is made from the Brachetto grape and hails from Piedmont. Although this may seem confusing at first, just know that all wine growing countries operate this way too—in sum or in part. Take France for example: Champagne is a blended wine from the Champagne region (production zone), yet you'll find varietally labeled Rieslings from Alsace (varietals) and wines such as "Wild Pig," a vin de pays d'Oc (proprietary name). Italian Wine LawEach of Italy's twenty regions grows grapes and makes Vino da tavola ("table wine") Table wines are not allowed to carry a varietal designation, a geographic indicator, or a vintage date. The IGT category represents those wines whose blend, grape variety or mode of production disqualifies them for DOC status. In many instances, these wines are high quality, creative efforts, but non-traditional. This category is fast becoming the largest with regard to production. For decades, these bottlings were relegated to "table wine" status due to their non-conformity to local wine law. Then, in 1992, with the creation of IGT, they found a niche. Equivalent to France's vin de pays, IGT wines allow creative expression while recognizing quality. DOC wines represent a sizable chunk of Italy's production. In this category, production zones, production standards, yields and grape growing practices are monitored. DOCG guidelines delineate production zones and mandate even more stringent production standards, yields and grape growing practices than those required of DOC wines. In addition, all DOCG wines must undergo lab analysis and sensory evaluations to ensure adherence to specified wine law. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
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Chianti has long been regarded by many as the "most Italian" of wines, not only because it is the most widely produced classified wine, but also because it possesses a unique personality. Chianti is produced in eight adjacent, yet distinct, areas that cover a vast part of central Tuscany. But only one, that is the oldest and original, may produce Chianti Classico. However, provenance alone is not sufficient to merit the designation Chianti Classico. The producer must strictly adhere to all the DOCG rules, which cover elements of vinification (such as alcohol content, yield per acre, and blend) as well as aging and bottling.
If a DOCG wine fails to pass its lab analysis or sensory evaluation, it is declassified to "table wine."
Back in the 1970s, many quality-minded producers in Tuscany opted to break with tradition in order to craft a better wine. These declassified, high-quality, high-priced bottlings won international award after international award despite their lowly "table wine" status. The press was quick to label them "Super Tuscans" —and they were just that! In truth, they were the driving force behind the creation of the IGT category. There are approximately 300 DOC production zones. A wine can achieve DOCG status only if it has had DOC status for at least five years. Out of all the wine that Italy produces, only 35 have earned DOCG status. There are over 180 IGT wines on the market today. 
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wine—and every single commercial bottling is given a designation based on its adherence to Italian wine law. From most humble to most elite, the designations are:
The DOCs from Piedmont, known primarily for Barolo, must undergo lab analysis and sensory evaluations in order to achieve their DOC status; this procedure is not required of any other DOC wine in Italy.