TAVOLO VIGNETO
THE WINE CLASSIFICATIONS OF ITALY
The most regulated wine producing country in the world, Italy employs a multi-tiered classification system for its wines. This system can typically be used to identify the geographic area of production for a given wine. More importantly, it can be used to certify a top (DOC or DOCG) wine and its adherence to strict production guidelines. Created and enforced by a network of regional growers’ associations, these guidelines are designed to ensure quality control from the vineyard to the table.
VDT (Vino da Tavola)
Literally a table wine with grapes that can be sourced from anywhere in Italy. VDT wines are traditionally produced by cooperatives or bottling companies, often with price being the priority rather than the quality of the wine.
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)
Boasting a regional geographic indication on the label, IGT wines typically denote a grape variety or blend that is not historically accepted within a given wine region. The newest classification of Italian wine, it offers wineries the opportunity to work with international grape varieties or modern blends that can often translate into interesting, quality driven wines.
NOTE: Alternatively designated as IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta)
DOC (Denomazione Origine Controllata)
From a regulated wine zone with distinct geographic boundaries, DOC wines are comprised of those historically accepted grapes or blends from a given wine producing region.Production is regulated, with 75% (minimum) of the fruit being sourced from within the boundaries of the DOC designation.
NOTE: Alternatively designated as DOP (Denomazione Origine Protetta)
DOCG (Denomazione Origine Controllata Guarantita)
Similar in concept to the DOC designation, DOCG is the most important designation for an Italian wine. The regulations governing this classification are always stricter than DOC wines —scientific analysis is required for all wines carrying this designation and 100% of the fruit used must be cultivated within the geographic boundaries of the (typically smaller) growing area.
THE WINE REGIONS OF ITALY
One of Europe’s original wine regions, winemaking started in Italy nearly three millennia ago with the Greek colonies of Sicily and the Etruscan city states of Central Italy.
Today, Italy is home to twenty diverse growing regions. Each boasts a vast assortment of interesting, historic grape varieties. Despite attempts to reproduce many of them in other parts of the world, most can still only be found in their native Italian terroir. It has been Tavolo Vigneto’s long standing mission to properly represent these twenty growing regions, and we strive to educate upon the importance of each’s winery unique history and growing terroir