Sage-Tips

What is the difference between IGT and DOC?

Wines in the IGT category are often, but not always, of lower quality than DOC wines. Some producers of high quality, non-traditional wines, like the makers of some super Tuscans, may release their wines under the IGT classification when they do not wish to adhere to the strict DOC or DOCG restrictions.

What does Toscana IGT mean?

Toscana IGT refers to wines not covered by the various DOC, DOCG or other IGT designations in the region of Tuscany. Thus a Toscana IGT has only a vague meaning, being a wine from Tuscany; it could be quite simple or it could be rather complex.

What does DOC and DOCG mean in wine?

DOC and DOCG are letters that you see on bottles of Italian wine. DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin, DOCG). DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Denomination of Controlled Origin).

What means DOCG wine?

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita
The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) is the highest designation for Italian wines, while the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), has less strict guidelines. The DOCG wines even have a numbered, government seal across the neck of the bottle to prevent counterfeiting.

What are Super Tuscan wines?

Super Tuscan refers to a style of red wine that originated in Tuscany, Italy, in the early 1970s. Super Tuscan wines vary in style, but the influence of Bordeaux is apparent in their use of new oak barrels and French grapes like cabernet sauvignon and merlot in addition to sangiovese, the classic grape of Tuscany.

What kind of wine is Italy known for?

In terms of Italian white wines, the most famous is Pinot Grigio which is made from the grape of the same name, as well as Gavi (from the Cortese grape), and Soave (from the Garganega grape). Italy also successfully makes wines from international grape varieties such Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

What is a Super Tuscan red wine?

Is Toscana a dry red wine?

Toscana IGT is the most popular and famous of Italy’s Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) titles. Given Tuscany’s longstanding success with dry red wine, this style is by far the most common style with a majority produced from the Sangiovese grape variety.

What is AOC in wine?

In France, the appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC, “controlled designation of origin”) is a certification of authenticity granted to certain geographical indications for wines, cheeses, butters, and other agricultural products, under the auspices of the Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (INAO), based …

What wines are Super Tuscans?

“Super Tuscan” is a term used to describe red wines from Tuscany that may include non-indigenous grapes, particularly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The creation of super Tuscan wines resulted from the frustration winemakers had towards a slow bureaucracy in changing Italy’s wine law during the 1970s.

Is Pinot Noir a DOCG wine?

The Pinot noir Oltrepò Pavese is a DOC, still, red wine, whose production is allowed in this area. The grape variety used is Pinot noir (at least 95\%) vinified from red grapes.

Is Chianti Classico a Super Tuscan?

Super Tuscans and Chiantis are both types of red wine made in Tuscany. The difference between a Super Tuscan wine and Chianti is DOC status, a legal designation given to wines that adhere to strict guidelines.

What is the difference between Doc and IGT wines?

Wines in the IGT category are often, but not always, of lower quality than DOC wines. Some producers of high quality, non-traditional wines, like the makers of some super Tuscans, may release their wines under the IGT classification when they do not wish to adhere to the strict DOC or DOCG restrictions.

What are IgTs and why do they matter?

Created in 1992, IGTs were intended to provide a tier above the basic Vino da Tavola (VdT) for quality wines that didn’t meet the regulations for DOC or DOCG. So-called Super Tuscan wines are a prime example.

Which Italian wines qualify for DOCG status?

There are currently only a handful of Italian wines that qualify for DOCG status. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC): DOC wines are much more commonly found.

What does DOCG mean on Italian wine labels?

You may have seen the letters DOCG or IGT on Italian wine labels. They are part of the Italian wine classification system, which shares similarities with the French AOC appellation system. Since its launch in the early 1960s, Italy’s system has undergone several key updates and refinements.