Italy

Question 1

When was the DOC/DOCG system introduced?

Answer 1

1963

Question 2

How does the DOC/DOCG system differ significantly from the AOC system?

Answer 2

Generally specify minimum aging requirements; not so in France

Question 3

What are the legal quality levels of Italian wine?

Answer 3

• Denominazione Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) [EU: DOP]
• Denominazione Origine Controllata [EU: DOP]
• Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) [EU: IGP]
• Vino (formerly VdT)

Question 4

When was the first Super Tuscan released?

Answer 4

1968: Tenuta San Guido’s Sassicaia

Question 5

What was the Italian legal system like in the 70s and 80s?

Answer 5

Hundreds of DOCs were created, and unworthy DOCGs were promoted, watering down the category and inspiring the Super Tuscan category

Question 6

Which “unworthy” DOCG was promoted in 1987?

Answer 6

Albana di Romagna DOCG

Question 7

What law was introduced in the 90s, what year, and what did it do?

Answer 7

Goria’s Law; 1992; created the IGT category, relaxing regulations to allow winemakers more freedom (and allowing gov’t to tax these wines more than VdT category)

Question 8

When did the first IGTs appear on the market?

Answer 8

1994

Question 9

How many DOCGs currently exist and what is the most recent one (with year approved)?

Answer 9

74; Nizza DOCG (Piedmont); 2014

Question 10

When were the first DOCGs introduced and what were they?

Answer 10

1980; Brunello di Montalcino (1st); Barolo/Barbaresco (2nd); Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Question 11

What regulations are included in a typical DOC/DOCG?

Answer 11

• Max yields
• Approved grapes
• Approved viticultural and vinification practices/styles
• Min/max alcohol levels
• Aging requirements
• Geographical boundaries

Question 12

How long must a region be a DOC before applying to be a DOCG?

Answer 12

5 years

Question 13

Why might a producer label their wine as IGT rather than simply Vino?

Answer 13

Wines labeled as Vino may not list a vintage