Decoding Italian Wine Classification: A Beginner’s Guide

When Italians want to convey that one has too many options, we don’t say “spoilt for choice”; instead, we say one has “the embarrassment of choice.” It might seem like a trivial difference. Yet it conveys that choosing can be uncomfortable. This applies wonderfully to choosing a bottle of Italian wine based on what’s written on the label. What do Italian Wine Classifications like DOC, DOCG, or IGT mean? And are they truly helpful in guiding a choice?

This guide will help you understand Italy’s wine classification system so you can confidently choose your next bottle—without a trace of embarrassment.

What’s the point of a Wine Classification System?

Wine classification systems help regulate quality, protect regional identities, and give consumers an idea of what they’re getting in the bottle. They can be considered a roadmap, allowing you to understand where a wine comes from and what to expect in terms of style and quality — although this is a bit trickier, as we’ll explain.

Italy’s classification system started in 1963 with the introduction of Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). It was followed by the more prestigious (and stringent) Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) in 1980. In 2009, the European Union introduced broader categories—Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)—to align classifications across Europe. Within this system, DOC and DOCG wines fall under PDO. Meanwhile, Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines are classified under PGI.

As wine journalist and lecturer Jacopo Cossater explains,

“We must not forget why these denominations were born, a little over sixty years ago—to protect the consumers, giving them the certainty of buying a product recognizable from a precise supply chain, with defined rules.“

Over time, however, these classifications have also taken on a marketing role: “Nowadays, this character has faded, becoming for the most well-known denominations also a marketing lever.” This is how Cossater notes it. Tellingly, when clarifying his opinion by providing an example, Cossater chooses a non-Italian wine. “When I hear the name ‘Champagne’, I tend to associate it much more with things like having fun, a celebration, or a party. More than simply a sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grapes produced in that region of France.” This is how a Classification can become, in reality, a brand.

The Italian Wine Classification System Tiers

Italy follows a tiered classification system with increasing regulation and quality control levels.

Vino da Tavola (VdT) – Table Wine

Vino da Tavola—or “table wine”—is the least regulated category. The name itself speaks of a time when wine was considered “food” in the sense that it was part of every meal.

VdT is rarely seen on quality wine labels since most winemakers aim for higher classifications. While it often translates into bulk-produced wine (the sort of wines that come in boxes), it can also be found on experimental bottlings from small producers.

Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) – Typical Geographical Indication

IGT includes wines that don’t fit into traditional DOC/DOCG regulations (more on that later) but still reflect regional character. Introduced in 1992, IGT is attributed to wines characterized by a geographical indication. A mention of the grape variety can be present – or not. These wines must come from grapes harvested (at least 85%) in the geographical area whose name they carry.

Since the regulation on IGT is not very strict regarding grape varieties, production methods, and aging requirements, wine producers have much more leeway. As a result, some of Italy’s most exciting wines fall into this category.

Take the so-called “Super Tuscans”: From the 1960s onwards, some wine producers in Tuscany began experimenting with international grape varieties. Some chose to produce traditional Bordeaux blends, starting with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Others opted for a blend of international vines and the native Sangiovese. Consequently, some producers began crafting bold, complex wines outside the DOC system, labeling them as simple “Vino da Tavola.”

Wines like Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia gained international acclaim, proving that high-quality wines could exist outside Italy’s rigid classification system. In response, the Italian government introduced the IGT category in 1992 to give these wines a more fitting designation.

Super Tuscans are not the only great wines produced in Italy under an IGT classification. “Some producers decide to bottle outside the denominations because their names carry enough weight,” says Cossater. “Montevertine and Podere Le Boncie, for example, are labeled as Toscana Rosso IGT, even though they are unmistakably Chianti Classico wines.“

Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) – Controlled Designation of Origin

The Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), or “Controlled Designation of Origin,” was established in 1963. Modeled after the French “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée” (AOC), the DOC was designed to protect Italian wines’ names, origins, and production methods. As mentioned above, it also serves to protect consumers.

DOC regulations are stringent. They encompass many aspects of viticulture and winemaking. They define permissible grape varieties for each wine, specify maximum yields to control production volume, outline approved winemaking techniques, and set aging requirements. These rules are tailored to specific, often smaller, geographic regions, reflecting each area’s unique terroir and traditional practices. As of 2025, Italy has 341 DOCs, each representing a unique combination of regional characteristics and winemaking traditions.

Let’s look at a few. Barbera d’Asti is a red wine from the Asti province in Piedmont. Made predominantly from the Barbera grape, this wine is celebrated for its deep color, robust acidity, and flavors of red fruits like cherry and raspberry. Valpolicella is a renowned red wine from the Veneto region near Verona. Composed mainly of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, Valpolicella is appreciated for its versatility, ranging from light, fruity styles to more complex, aged versions. Fun Fact: Italy’s smallest DOC is Loazzolo DOC. It is located in Piemonte and is dedicated exclusively to passito wines made with Moscato Bianco. This tiny appellation, covering only a few hectares, produces exquisite dessert wines with remarkable aging potential.

In the hierarchy of Italian wine classifications, DOC stands above Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). This is because DOC wines are subject to stricter regulations. This increased oversight often translates to a higher perceived quality.

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) – Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin

The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), which translates to Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin, represents the pinnacle of Italian wine classification. Introduced in 1980, the DOCG designation was established to identify and protect Italy’s most exceptional and historically significant wines. As of 2025, Italy has 78 DOCG wines, each reflecting the rich viticultural heritage of its region.

The DOCG classification imposes more rigorous regulations than the DOC designation. The “Garantita” aspect of DOCG signifies a government-guaranteed assurance of quality and authenticity. Before a wine can bear the DOCG label, it must undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes chemical analyses and sensory assessments conducted by government-approved tasting panels. Only wines that successfully pass these tests are granted the DOCG status. Each DOCG wine bottle also features a uniquely numbered seal placed on the neck of the bottle.

King of Wines and the Wine of Kings

Several iconic wines exemplify the DOCG classification. Barolo, often dubbed the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings,” hails from the Piedmont region and is made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. Renowned for its robust structure and complex aromas of tar and roses, Barolo requires extended aging to develop its full potential.

Similarly, Barbaresco, also from Piedmont and produced from Nebbiolo grapes, is celebrated for its elegance and nuanced flavors of red fruits and floral notes.

Brunello di Montalcino, originating from Tuscany, is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. This wine is esteemed for its rich dark cherries, leather, spice flavors, and robust tannic structure. DOCG regulations stipulate a minimum aging period of five years, with at least two years in oak barrels, before the wine can be released to the market. In the hierarchy of Italian wine classifications, DOCG stands at the apex.

In recent years, the rise of the natural wine movement – popular among younger drinkers in part thanks to its fun, inventive labels – has changed the way many consumers approach the choice of a bottle of wine. I’ve asked Cossater how much a Classification can still help when picking out a bottle: “It does. If I find myself in front of a shelf and I don’t know anything, the denomination is a very important factor for me, much more than a curious label. For example, Chianti Classico is one of my favorite denominations, and I happen to buy wines a bit blindly – just because they are Chianti Classico”.

Hierarchy of Italian Wine Classifications

To sum it up:

1. VdT (Vino da Tavola) – Basic table wines with minimal regulation.
2. IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) – More flexible, often innovative wines.
3. DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) – Stricter grape varieties and production regulations.
4. DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) – The highest quality with rigorous government checks.

References

• Interview with Jacopo Cossater, wine journalist and lecturer
• Federdoc (National Confederation of Voluntary Consortia for the Protection of Italian Wine Designations) Website
• “Il Mondo del Sommelier” – textbook published by Ais, Associazione Italian Sommelier (Italian Sommelier Association)