DISCOVER ITALY WINE REGIONS
This one small country contains an overwhelming diversity of natural features—an immense coastline, three major mountain ranges, foothills, and relatively little flat land.
Discover Italy Wine Regions
This one small country contains an overwhelming diversity of natural features—an immense coastline, three major mountain ranges, foothills, and relatively little flat land.
Italian Wine Varietals
Classifications
All Italian wines are assigned to one of four government-regulated classifications. The three regulated categories become increasingly strict, with IGT being the most lenient to give winemakers flexibility, and DOCG being the most controlled. The fourth category, table wine, is unregulated. Ruffino makes no wine in this unregulated category.
IGT
Typical geographical place
The IGT classification includes wines that are typical to a large geographic area (for example, Tuscany) by way of color, grape varieties and/or wine type. Growers must apply for IGT status and wine labels must declare a specific region. IGT wines are subject to some production limitations, but no taste or quality tests are required.
DOC
Controlled (or protected) place of origin
The DOC classification includes wines from specified grape varieties in officially designated and registered geographic areas. Producers in each region determine the regulations, which cover every phase of grape-growing and winemaking including origin of the fruit, grape varieties, production methods, wine color, aromas and flavors. The government oversees the regulations, but no taste or quality tests are required.
DOCG
Controlled and guaranteed place of origin
The DOCG classification is the most stringent. It requires producers to control and guarantee everything that is claimed on the wine label. Sample lots must be approved by a tasting panel of experts. DOCG wines are also subject to legal analysis at any time.
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