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Home , Abruzzo (wine), Arezzo, Arneis, Barbaresco, Barbera, Bianca (grape)

An Overview of

The Main of Italy

Abbruzzo

- Location o East with significant coastline on the to the south the . If you travel straight east from , you would find yourself in . - Climate o Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and moderate to cool winters. . Abruzzo is very mountainous so there are plenty of microclimates due to altitude and different aspects - Geology o Can be divided into two areas: . The internal mountainous area, which is characterized by a continental climate and represents over 65% of the entire territory of the region . The coastal area with its many hills and temperate climate o In general, the soils are mostly alluvial, with some outcrops of granite and limestone. - Important Varieties o Red Varieties .  The most widespread grape variety here and represents over half of the regional ampelographic base, as well as being the grape variety which serves as reference point for the DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo o White Varieties  d'Abruzzo – are golden in color, typically dry but fruit-forward, with delicate aromatics and refreshingly high acidity. Most are stainless steel but there are some fermentation and/or maturation examples. - Relevant o Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC . Red that be made from a minimum of 85% Montepulciano variety . May be produced in all four of Abruzzo’s : , L’Aquila, , and . Riserva wines must be aged for at least 2 years, including 9 months in wood

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

- Location o Located in the far north-eastern corner of Italy, bound by the borders with and Slovenia (to the north and east respectively), which follow the contours of the eastern . o The most significant mountains in this area are the Julian Alps, hence the appendix Giulia in the region's name. To the south lies the Gulf of (the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea), and to the west. - Climate o The region has a temperate climate. However, due to the terrain's diversity, it varies considerably from one area to another. . Walled by the Alps on its northern flank, the region is exposed to air masses from the East and the West. . The region also receives the southerly Scirocco from the Adriatic Sea, which brings in heavy rainfall. . Along the coast the climate is mild and pleasant. Trieste records the smallest temperature differences between winter and summer and between day and night. . The climate is Alpine-continental in the mountainous areas, where, in some locations, the coldest winter temperatures in Italy can often be found. . The Kras plateau has its own weather and climate, influenced, mostly during autumn and winter, by masses of cold air coming from the North-East. These generate a very special feature of the local climate: the north-easterly wind Bora, which blows over the Gulf of Trieste with gusts occasionally exceeding speeds of 150 km/h. o There is frequent problems with hail - Geology o The most important influence on -Venezia Giulia's is their position between the Alps and the Adriatic. The mountainous topography in the north and east lifts many vineyards above the low-lying clouds that are sometimes trapped between the hills and the coast. . This allows the vines to bask in bright sunshine without overheating, allowing the to develop full phenolic complexity and aromatic depth before their levels peak. o Lower down and closer to the coast, maritime conditions moderate the diurnal temperature variation and create more stable, reliable weather, offering local producers the luxury of choice in their . o Most vineyards are on glacial moraine – a gritty mixture of sand, gravel, and sediment deposited during the Ice Age. - Grape Varieties o Range of local varieties including: . Pinot Grigio, , , and Friulano o International varieties are popular here as well, including, . , , , , , , and - Relevant Appellations o There are three DOCG appellations and 10 DOCs within the Friuli borders. We will consider the Goriška Brda across the border into Slovenia in this section, as it is really just a continuation of Friuli’s climate, location and geology. o Friuli Grave DOC - largest DOC in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, made up of approximately 16,000 acres (6500ha) of vineyards . Location:  The area extends from the of in the east towards the province of in the west and is divided east from west by the Tagliamento River. The west stretches from the foothills of the Julian Alps to the sea and borders , while the eastern side covers a huge area of the central Friuli plains. . Soil:  The soil is similar to the in o The name Friuli Grave derives from the alluvial, often gravelly soil that characterizes the zone.  The extensive stretch of stones beneath the vines reflects heat and light during the day to help the grapes ripen, as well as acting like a radiator during the night to maintain a constant and even mesoclimate. . Climate:  The east part of the region offers cooler temperatures and higher rainfall, while the west has a more maritime climate.  The nearby Adriatic Sea tempers the heat, and the vineyards on the plains are also protected from the cold air currents coming from the north by the curve of the foothills of the Alps. . Grape Varieties:  Predominant White Varieties o Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, Pinot Grigio  Predominant Red Varieties o Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Nero

o Friuli Aquelia DOC . Location:  Located on the lowlands in the southern part of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. . Climate:  The area enjoys a temperate maritime climate thanks to its close proximity to the Adriatic Sea, which keeps it well ventilated in the summer and reduces humidity. . Soil:  The vines also benefit from two soil environments that are excellent for growing vines: o In the north the soils are glacial and alluvial, comprising clay and gravel o In the south sandy loess dominates.  The wines reflect this excellent terroir by displaying exceptional, distinctive aromas. . Grape Varieties  Predominant White Varieties o Chardonnay, , Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Friulano  Predominant Red Varieties o Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, o Goriška Brda, Slovenia . Location:  Very west side of Slovenia extending through the state border into Italy. In the southern part, the vineyards end into the Friuli valley. . Climate:  o Because of the exposure of the Goriška Brda region towards the south and west a warm and sunny climate prevails. . Soils:  Sandstone and limestone. It is poor with organic and mineral substances . Grape Varieties:  Predominant White Varieties o Rebula, Pikolit, Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio  Predominant Red Varieties o Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Marche

- Location o Region in east central Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, sandwiched between Abruzzo to the south, to the west and the eastern part of - to the north - Climate o Mediterranean with hot and dry summers, but with varying microclimates in the mountains to the east - Geology o Calcareous clay and limestone-rich soils - Grape Varieties o is the main white variety with the highest quality potential o Montepulciano and are the most relevant red varieties - Wine Styles o Still red and white wines, both focused and blends - Relevant Appellations o Verdicchio di DOC . Location  Landlocked, up in the mountains in the west of the region . Climate  Vineyards are located at altitudes of over 1300 ft.  Different microclimates but overall continental with cold winters . Geology  Mineral rich with a calcareous clay content . Grape Variety  Verdicchio, with small portions of Malvasia and Trebbiano allowed . Wine Style  Known for its fresh and fragrant character displaying slightly sharper characteristics than its more well-known neighbor, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, which is located closer to the Adriatic  Still and dry white. Spumante versions are allowed

Piemonte

- History

o In 1995, a systematic revision of the entire DOC system of produced Italy’s first overall regional DOC. The territory was divided into six broad zones: Piemonte, , Monferrato, Colline Novarese (the province of , Coste della Sesia), the Colline Vercellesi, and (the Carema and di Caluso zones to the north of ).

o Each of the region’s cultivated varieties can be used either for a smaller, more geographically restricted DOC or DOCG or declassified into a large, more general, and hence ‘lower’ DOC.

. The of , for example, can become either a Barolo DOCG or Langhe Nebbiolo DOC

. The cultivated in the can be used either for the Barbera d’Asti, Monferrato Rosso, or Barbera Piemonte DOCs.

o ‘Lower’ appellations allow both higher yields and lower alcoholic strength. The new system, in theory, allows all of Piemonte’s wine to achieve DOC status.

- Location

o Piemonte is a qualitatively outstanding and highly distinctive wine region in north-west Italy whose principal city is Turin. It sits at the foot of the Western Alps, which encircle the region to the north and west.

o It is bordered to the south by the region on the Ligurian coast, to the east by , to the north by Valle d’ region and

- Climate

o Alpine climate to the north closer to Switzerland, continental to the east towards Lombardia, and more Mediterranean to the south towards Liguria.

o Average summer temperatures and rainfall are very similar to those in Bordeaux.

o is a mainstay in the region

- Geology

o Vines are planted at altitudes which can vary from about 150 m to above 400 m (490- 1150 ft.), with the best, south-facing sites typically devoted to Nebbiolo, while the coolest positions are planted with (or Moscato in zones in which it is grown).

o Barbera is widely planted in between.

o Most common soil is calcareous marl, which may be interlayered or intermingled with sand and clay - Grape Varieties

o Piemonte’s is the most stable and evolved in Italy and has made the greatest progress both in identifying the proper areas for growing its own individual vine varieties and in the proper techniques for fermenting and aging them.

o Red Varieties:

. Nebbiolo - Piemonte’s noblest grape and is, with the Sangiovese of Toscana, the grape responsible for most of Italy’s greatest wines.

. This variety is not grown to great success in any other region in the world, making it somewhat unique to this little northwest corner of Italy.

. Barbera - Piemonte’s workhorse grape, supplies the region’s everyday red wines (and an increasing number of smart ones). It is grown virtually everywhere there are vineyards in the provinces of Alba, Asti, and .

. Dolcetto - Piemonte’s fruity for drinking young.

o White Varieties:

. Moscato Bianco – used for the production of Asti and Moscato d’Asti

. Piemonte’s most planted white grape.

. – found in the Gavi DOCG in the

. Timorasso – in the Colli Tortonesi

. and - Native Piedmontese varieties are very popular.

. Chardonnay is rapidly being accepted as well.

- Relevant Appellations

o Piemonte has over 40 different appellations that are very intriguing to learn about. For simplicity reasons however, we will focus on the most relevant appellations to our cause. In other words, the regions that makes up the wines that are currently authorized to sell. We will add more as they become relevant.

o Asti DOCG

. Location: Provinces of Asti (principally), , and Alessandria

. Styles: Asti Spumante is sparkling, while Moscato d’Asti is frizzante (lightly sparkling)

. Grape variety: 100% Moscato Bianco ( Blanc à Petite Blanc)

. Production:

 Moscato d’Asti:

o The ripest and best grapes are de-stemmed and pressed.

o The juice is chilled and filtered immediately after and fermented only when required in order to ensure the aromas of the Moscato grape are not lost.

o Fermentation in pressurized tanks where a certain amount of the CO2 produced is trapped in the wine, creating the slight sparkle.

o Fermentation is stopped when the wine reaches 5.5% alcohol by chilling (and killing) the yeast, which are filtered out before bottling.

 Asti Spumante – more fully sparkling with a higher alcohol level than the (often) higher quality Moscato d’Asti

. Wine Styles:

 Moscato d’Asti – sweet, grapey, floral wine with low alcohol (4.5-6.5%) and a slight sparkle. Very consistent in quality and extremely enjoyable.

 Asti – less ripe fruit characteristics, technically less sweet with higher alcohol and more sparkling than Moscato d’Asti o Barbera d’Asti DOCG

. Location

 Provinces of Asti (principally) and Alessandria

. Grape Variety

 Barbera (85-100%) combined with maximum 15% , Gignolino and Dolcetto

. Principal Soils

 Clay, silt, sand and limestone

. Wine Styles

 Barbera is a high acid grape that makes wine of significant color, moderate to low and strong fruit characteristics of sour cherry, raspberry and blackberry, along with purple flowers and herb notes.

 It can be oaked in more modern styles, but the best and most pure styles are un-oaked or with time in neutral . o Barbera d’Alba DOCG

. Location

 In the Langhe hills and around the town of Alba which is south and west from the city and vineyards of Asti. The viticultural area for Barbera d’Alba overlaps the Barolo and regions

. Soils

 Chalky, limestone-rich clay

. Wine Styles

 Dry, still red

 Esteemed for their deep color, low tannins and high acid levels

 It is generally considered to be more concentrated and ‘Masculine’ then its counterpart from the Asti area o Barbaresco DOCG

. Location

 Vineyards are situated in the Langhe, on -hand side of the river and extending form the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Nieve and

. Climate

 See above

 Slightly more maritime (warmer, drier and milder) then the Barolo region

. Grape Varieties

 Nebbiolo is the dominant variety and must be 100% if labeled as Barbaresco DOCG

 Dolcetto and Barbera play minor parts

. Soil

 Limestone-rich marl

. Wine Styles

 Dry, still and red

 Characterized as more ‘feminine’ than its neighbor Barolo DOCG. o Colli Tortonesi DOC

. Location

 In the hills around the city of , in the east of the Piemonte region on the border with Lombardia. It is in the Province of Alessandria with Gavi DOC as a neighbor to the south east.

. Grape Varieties

 Barbera for red and Cortese (of Gavi fame) for white are the most prominent

 The indigenous variety we are most interested in is the white Timorasso grape, which is the variety in the white wines of Vigneti Massa. It is gaining in popularity and prevalence.

o Piemonte DOC

. Appellation that covers the Provinces of Alessandria, Asti and Cuneo

. Each of the region’s cultivated varieties can be used either for a smaller, more geographically restricted DOC or DOCG or declassified into this larger, more general DOC, which has less strict rules for making wine.

 For example, a Barbera that is cultivated in the Province of Asti can be used either for the Barbera d’Asti or Barbera Piemonte DOC, which has both higher yields and lower alcoholic strength than the former

Puglia

- Location o Long skinny peninsula that makes up the ‘boot heel’ in the south east corner of Italy. It is between the Adriatic Sea to the east and Gulf of to the west o Viticulturally, the region can be divided into three: . North – on the flatlands around where large volumes of undistinguished wine is churned out . Central – inland from the sea around . South – the flat peninsula  This is the area that is most relevant for Regal

- Climate o Extreme Mediterranean climate with what water there is all falling in the winter months - Geology o Topsoils rich in oxide over a limestone base . Well suited to grape and production o Exceptionally fertile plains makes it one of Italy’s highest quantity regions

- Grape Varieties o Southern section . and Primitivo (both red grapes) are of most importance - Wine Styles o While there are many blends, varietal wines such as 100% Negroamaro are on the rise - Relevant Appellations o Salice Salentino . Location  Southern part of the peninsula bordered by the Squinzano DOC to the east and the Nardò DOC to the west . Grape Varieties  Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera for red  Malvasia and Chardonnay for white . Wine Styles  Mostly red with a small quantity of  Still table wines with high levels of potential alcohol

Sicilia

- Location o The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and located off the tip of on the Italian mainland. In fact, on a map, it looks as though Italy’s ‘boot’ is actually about to kick the island! - Climate o Classic Mediterranean climate with lots of sunshine hot summers with moderate winters. Rain comes in big downpours in the winter months. . Summers are extremely dry. - Geology o Soils are largely volcanic in nature o The island has mostly hillside vineyards as the terrain throughout is mostly hilly and mountainous. o , ’s tallest active volcano at 10,930ft (3330m), dominates the island’s eastern skyline and is responsible for the mineral-rich, dark soils which characterize the area around it.

- Grave Varieties o Native White Varieties . – can be dry, flinty, yet savory like a good Blanc  Also used in the production of ( made in the Port method) . Caricante – grown on the slopes of Mount Etna; crisp and tangy with a lemon zesty bite  Can be almost Chablis like if it’s given lees contact and allowed to go through MLF . Inzolia/Insolia – found mainly in ’s western side where it is an ingredient (along with Grillo) in Marsala but found more often as a varietal or blended table wine.  At best, it has a moderately aromatic, well-flavored, nutty character o Native Red Varieties . Nero d’ – highest quality and most planted native on the island.  Depending on production methods, Nero can be dense and dark and can withstand oak aging, or it can be young and fresh with notes of plum and juicy, red-fruit flavors.  It typically has high tannins, moderate acid and a full body . Nerello Mascalese – like a cross between Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo  Mainly grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna . – light bodied grape grown on the southeastern coast that is used mainly for blending, although varietal wines are produced  It makes cherry-colored wines high in aromatics, low in tannins and is slightly reminiscent of good . o International varieties . , Chardonnay - Relevant Appellations o Sicily has 23 DOCs and 1 DOCG (Cerasuolo di Vittoria) o Relevant Appellations include the southern part of the Island where Principi di has its vineyards. . Sicilia DOC  Brand new appellation (2012) which elevated the Sicilia IGT to DOC status in an attempt to improve awareness of the island and its wines.  It is an island-wide appellation that can be used when wines do not qualify for more restricted DOCs.

. DOC  Location: o Southern coast of Sicily covering the towns of Riesi, Mazzarino and Butera and neighbors the only Sicilian DOCG of Cerasuolo di Vittoria  Climate o Variety of mesoclimates due to the hills in the region. However, all are influenced to some extent by their proximity to the Mediterranean coast  Grapes Varieties o 6 grapes sanctioned for use in single-variety Riesi wines: . Inzolia and Chardonnay for whites and Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah for red

Tuscany

- Location o Central Italy with Emilia-Romagna to the north and Umbria and to the south and southeast. It also shares a short border with Liguria as it stretches up the Tyrrhenian coast, and Marche as it pushes eastwards towards the Adriatic Sea - Climate o Mediterranean . Warm temperatures coming off the coast, combined with the cool breezes from the hills, create a number of microclimates - Geology o Well-drained and dry soils, predominantly rich in sand and clay. o Moderately hilly terrain extending towards the - Grape Varieties o Red Varieties: . Sangiovese – most important to the region and, along with Nebbiolo, is Italy’s most prestigious red grape variety. . Other native varieties playing a supporting role are , and . Some international varieties allowed are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot o White Varieties: . . Trebbiano Toscana

- Relevant Appellations o DOCG . Location  Stretches into the provinces of , , , , and . Grape Varieties  Minimum 70% Sangiovese with native Canaiolo and Colorino, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot . Wine Style  Red and black cherry character with notes of wild herbs, mint and . High acid and mellow tannins  Must be aged for a minimum of 4 months. o Chianti Classico DOCG . Location  Heartland of the Chianti region covering land between Siena and Florence, buffered at each end by the Colli Fiorentini and Colli Senesi production zones . Grape Varieties  Minimum 80% Sangiovese with native Canaiolo and Colorino, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot . Wine Styles  Three quality levels: Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione o Annata are standard Chianti Classico and must spend a minimum of 7 months in oak o Riserva must be aged for a minimum of 24 months including 3 months in before release o Gran Selezione must be made from a single or estate and have been aged for a full 30 months.  Before bottling, the wine "certified to become Chianti Classico DOCG" has to undergo chemical exams and approval by a tasting (It must show typicity)  Typical Chianti Classico is a ruby-red color that is Sangiovese-based with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy leaf. High acid, moderate grippy tannins, and a moderate body

o Toscana IGT . See Appellation hierarchy for explanation of IGT . The most famous – and the most commonly used – of Italy’s Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) titles.  The geographical region it indicates is, in short, . Toscana IGT wines can be made in any village in any of Tuscany’s 10 provinces . Unlike the strict rules of the DOC and DOCG laws, IGT wines can be made in almost every form imaginable, from bone-dry whites to sweet reds and sparkling rosés. However, dry red wine is by far the predominant style.

Valle d’Aosta

- Location o Smallest region set in the very northwest corner of Italy (above Piemonte) in the Alpine Mountains bordering both and Switzerland - Climate o Alpine, but because of its location on the sheltered side of the Western Alps, it falls in a rain shadow and enjoys warm, dry summers with very cool nights - Geology o Thin, rocky soils that are both alluvial and colluvial (deposited at the base of hills by rain or gravity) which provides a stressful environment where vines must work hard to survive, leading to high-quality grapes with high concentration o Granite and schist - Grape Varieties o Mix of Italian and French varieties including: . Chardonnay, Moscato Bianco, Pinot Grigio , , Dolcetto and Nebbiolo . Indigenous varieties include  , Fumin, for reds  Prie Blanc for whites - Wine Styles o Due to altitude and climate, the wines tend to be high in acid and lighter in body and alcohol - Relevant Appellations o Donnas DOC . Location  Easternmost sub-region covering the slopes above the river Dora Baltea, just before it crosses the border into Piemonte . Geology  Vineyards on steep slopes reaching above 2300 ft. and are cut into terraces  Granite and schist of the Alps

. Grape Varieties  Nebbiolo (called Picotendro locally)  Can use up to 15% with any other red variety sanctioned for use in the Valle d’Aosta including o Petit Rouge, Fumin, Freisa and . Wine Styles

 The wines must be aged for at least 24 months (10 of which must be in oak)  Increases to 30 months for the Donnas wines labeled as superiore

Veneto

- Location o If viewed on a map, the region’s shape sort of resembles the Island of England and Scotland. o It stretches westward to and northward to the Alps and the Austrian border from the land behind the city of - Climate o Extremely varied depending on where one is at in the region. From the arctic cold of the to the mild Adriatic coast, the region contains pretty much all the temperatures of Europe! In general, the climate can be classified as continental with two principal climactic zones: . Alpine region characterized by cool summers and cold winters with frequent snowfalls . Hill and plain areas where the climate is moderately continental o The coastal areas and the land surrounding Lake Garda give a warmer more moderate climate. - Geology o From the mountainous Dolomites to the hills and plains of the river , the topography is as diverse as its climate. o Most of the vineyards are found in the southern plains, though many of the finest wines are produced in the surrounding hillsides. o Soils are (not surprisingly) very diverse with silty sandy soils being common throughout. - Important Grape Varieties o White Varieties . – principle grape of and one of Italy’s most widely planted white variety  In cooler sites, it exhibits flinty, apple-like characteristics with a good structure, reminiscent of Chablis  In warmer sites, it produces wines with more ripe citrus and stone fruit flavors, such as and apricot. . – approved name by the EU for the grape variety. The name was changed in 2009, when the Prosecco di - region was promoted to DOCG status and the Italian authorities decided that Prosecco should only be used as a geographical indication. Glera (old synonym of Prosecco) was chosen to avoid confusion between the Prosecco region and grape variety.  High acid grape and a fairly neutral palate, making it ideal for production o Red Varieties . – forms the basis of the wines of , including  Distinct sour cherry fruit, high acidity, moderate tannins and can be quite rich when dried and made in the style of Amarone - Relevant Appellations o Prosecco DOC - This DOC was formed when Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene was promoted to DOCG status and Prosecco IGT was banned. . Location  Covers spumante (fully sparkling) and frizzante (gently sparkling) styles in the provinces of , , Venice, , and in the Veneto region. . Grape Varieties  Glera – must be at least 85% of the blend (in reality most prosecco is 100% Glera) o Indigenous (such as ) and some international varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio) can make up the last 15% of the blend . Method of Production o Most are made in the Charmat Method of sparkling wine production where the second fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank. The dead yeast cells are filtered out and the wine is bottled under pressure. . This produces clean, fruit driven sparkling wines with no yeasty character, as is found in the more serious -style wines. o Valdebbiadene DOCG . Location  North-eastern part of the Veneto region in the north-east of Italy around the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in the Province of Treviso

. Climate  The region is equidistant from the Dolomites to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south east which gives it a unique and positive effect on the climate; moderating Mediterranean from the Sea with crisp cold nights and elevation from the Dolomites . Geology  Clay and limestone with a mix of alluvial and glacial in Conegliano  Moraines, sandstone and clay in Valdobbiadene . Grape Varieties  See above . Wine Styles  Though still, semi-sparkling (frizzante) are made, most of the wine on the export market (what we see) is fully sparkling wine from the Charmat Method (see above) o Soave Classico DOC . Location  Soave DOC is a region in the Province of and located just east of the city of Verona. The Classico region is a small area comprised of hillside vineyards making superior wine. The Classico zone was the Soave area first defined and delimited, the rest has expanded outward into sometimes inferior terroir. Gambellara DOC is to the east and Valpolicella DOC is to the west . Climate  Continental with hot summers and cold, harsh winters; variations from year to year so are important . Geology  Volcanic – dark, stony, and rich in minerals . Grape Varieties  Garganega – minimum 70%  Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco – maximum 30% . Wine Styles  Soave Classico wines are usually still, dry white wines

DOC System

It wasn't until late in the 20th century that gained a reputation for products of the highest international quality. Passage of the of l963 spurred the industry's modernization. Highly comprehensive, the Denomination of Origin laws are, in part, patterned after France's respected Appellations Contrôlées. They define Italy's traditions and regulate every phase of viticulture and viniculture, including vine types, grapes, their processing, aging and bottling. More recently, in response to pressure from , the laws have been amended to encourage experimentation with untraditional grape varieties and techniques. There are now four different categories.

Vino da Tavola (VDT) - Simple table wines that carry neither a varietal name nor a date.

Indicazione Geografica Tipica (Typical Geographic Indication, IGT) - This appellation, instituted in 1992, falls between Vino da Tavola and Denomination of Controlled Origin. The government's purpose is to upgrade a major portion (about 40 percent) of Italy's table wine production by placing these products on a par with the French Vin du Pays or German Landwein. The wine's label must declare its specific region and may site varietal type and vintage. Growers or regional governments are required to apply for IGT status just as they do for a DOC or DOCG appellation. Currently, there are more than 100 IGTs

Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Denomination of Controlled Origin, DOC) - Wines bearing this appellation are registered by the government. Their labels must state their zone of origin and the wines are required to meet certain production standards. Only approved methods of planting, cultivating and fertilizing can be employed, for example. Maximum yields are controlled, as are bottling specifications, alcohol content and aging. The products and their claims are subject to government review at any time. There are currently about 300 DOCs

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin, DOCG) – The most stringent of the categories, this appellation embraces all DOC assurances and further requires a producer to control and guarantee everything claimed on the wine's label: zone of origin, net contents, name of grower and bottler, place of bottling and product's alcohol strength. Affixed to the bottle is a government seal of approval, and the wine is subject to analysis at any time by government inspectors.