Italian Classifications

The Italian system is loosely based on the French model. DOC is the equivalent of France's AC. In ascending order, the levels are:

1. Vino da Tavola (VdT)

VdT is a general category for non-DOC/DOCG wines. These are the most basic wines, with little regulation and no information on the label about where the wine was made or the vintage. There are typically everyday table wines - simple and inexpensive. Ironically, this category also represents the often highly expensive 'Super Tuscan' wines.

2. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)

These are wines with a regional identity, similar to the French vin de pays. This classification is also widely used by producers of high-quality wines that do not comply with the DOC or DOCG regulations.

3. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)

These are the major appellations, similar to the AC regions of France. There are about 250 DOC zones, and approximately 700 Italian wines bearing this classification. Grape varieties, yields, vineyard sites and production methods are all regulated.

4. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

This is the highest status conferred on Italian wines, limited to a few regions and with tight restrictions on yields and production methods. DOCG wines include such famous names as Barola, Barbaresco, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.