Quick reference guide when thinking of buying Italian wine online
- DOCG: An abbreviation for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. It’s the top classification for Italian wines. Strict rules are applied for all aspects of production. They include where the grapes can be grown, what varieties are allowed and how wines can be aged. There are 74 or more DOCGs in Italy.
- DOC: An abbreviation for Denominazione di Origine Controllata. Is one step below DOCG. Rules govern production and style but aren’t as stringent as those for DOCGs. There are 334 DOCs in Italy, with the most recent additions approved in mid-2017.
- IGT: An abbreviation for Indicazione Geografica Tipica. Introduced in 1992, this classification allows winemakers to use grapes and craft styles not allowed under DOC and DOCG regulations. There are currently 118 IGTs in Italy.
Looking for a pleasant taste of wine? Sauvignon IGT Venezia Giulia from Italy , Straw yellow colour with greenish tints. The bouquet is aromatic and characteristic. Dry, pleasant and velvety with a good body on the palate.
- Riserva: Denotes a wine aged for significantly longer than usual, though rules vary among the denominations.
- Superiore: Denotes a higher-quality designation, tacked on generally to a regional name (i.e., Soave).
- Classico: Denotes wines from a zone within a region (i.e., Chianti Classico in Italy) considered the original area of production.
- Azienda Agricola: A farm or estate that produces its own grapes for the production of its wines.
- Annata or Vendemmia: A specific harvest or vintage.