What does DOC mean on this wine?
D-O-C — said as three letters. DOC-G adds the G for 'garantita'.
When confused by the Italian wine classification system — essential knowledge for understanding Italian wine labels.
DOC = Denominazione di Origine Controllata (controlled designation of origin). DOCG = Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (controlled and guaranteed). DOCG is the higher category. IGT = Indicazione Geografica Tipica — less restrictive, used for 'Super Tuscans'.
Qual è la differenza tra DOC e DOCG?
What is the difference between DOC and DOCG?
DOCG has stricter rules and government tasting committee approval — generally (but not always) higher quality
Cosa significa IGT?
What does IGT mean?
IGT wines can use varieties not permitted in DOC rules — many 'Super Tuscans' are IGT
Il Sassicaia è DOC o IGT?
Is Sassicaia DOC or IGT?
Sassicaia is unique — it has its own DOC (Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC) after being the founding Super Tuscan IGT
Italy has 77 DOCGs and 341 DOCs — the most complex wine classification system in the world. The system was created in 1963 and has been continuously expanded. Some of the world's greatest wines (Sassicaia, Solaia, Ornellaia) were originally classified as IGT because they used French varieties not permitted in Chianti DOCG rules.