Foundation - Wine Laws Flashcards
Once the designation for DOCG is approved, each bottle will carry a fascetta or sigillo with unique alphanumeric code that ensures authenticity.
What is the color of seal label for DOCG wines?
Gold
Define “consorzio”.
It is a voluntary association (consortium) formed by producers, merchants and cooperatives belonging to a specifc DOCG or DOC.
Each consorzio is regulated by law and is tasked with protecting, promoting and developing the reputation and interest of teh DOCG and DOC.
What is disciplinare di produzione?
The official legal document behind each DOCG, DOC and IGT.
It contains the guidelines and produciton rules that all producers must follow if they intend to use the designation DOCG, DOC or IGT on their wines.
When did EU introduced new regulations designed to standardize the quality levels and labeling of wines iwth geographical place names?
In 2009
DOCG wines must follow more stringent production criteria from the vineyard to the bottle than do DOC wines.
List the requirements.
- Lower yields
- Higher planting density
- higher minimum potential alcohol
- Higher miimum final alcohol level
- Longer ageing requirements
- Laboratory analysis
- Blind tasting
What is required for DOC wines to be promoted to a DOCG appellation?
At least 10 years of DOC status
How many IGTs in Italy as of 2017?
118b IGTs
True or False
Generic wine producers can use either Vini or Vini da Tavola, the traditional name for this category.
False
The old name can no longer be used on labels.
What are categories EU established for its member countries to adapt their wine regulations accordingly?
- Wines with geographical indication
=> Proetected Designation of Origin (PDO) / Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
=> Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) /
Indicazione Geografica Protteta (IGP)
- Wines without geographical indication (generic wines)
True or False
For IGT wines, at least 85% of the grapes must come from the stated geographical area and the production process must take within the boundaries.
True
What is the main difference between “sub-zones” and “MGAs”?
MGAs differ from sub-zones in that they are smaller and are usually owned by fewer producers.
In general they have the same production rules as the DOC or DOCG to which they belong.
They are somewhat analogous to the French term “cru”.
True or False
EU nomenclature Indicazione Geografica Protteta (IGP) is found on Italian labels, Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) is the traditional name for this category and it continues to be used by many producers.
True
True or False
EU regulations stipulate that sparkling wines are required to state the residual sugar content by using the official EU designations.
True
What are seven grape varieties that can appear on Vini labels?
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Merlot
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Syrah
- Cabernet (a blend of Cabernet Sauvginon and Cabenet Franc)
What is “Sotozona”?
And its significance?
“Sub-zone” within a DOCG or DOC that often boast speical conditions in terms of climate, topography and soils.
Historically they have shown a higher level of distinction by producing wines that (in general) tend to have a higher quality level and/or a more prestigeious status.
