Explore Italy’s premier wine regions, where centuries-old traditions produce some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

Italian Wine Classifications

Like French wines, Italian wines have a classification system known as DOC. This is a "controlled designation of origin," a quality assurance label for Italian wine and cheese. 

The highest classification level is DOCG or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. 

Under strict winemaking laws, the wine's authenticity is enforced, requiring winemakers to use only particular native grapes like Sangiovese and traditional winemaking practices. 

The last tier of classification is IGT, which indicates a "typical geographic location." Table wines made from non-native grapes like Chardonnay or Merlot are quite common under this label. This classification is the least strict regarding grape varieties and winemaking practices. 

Scenic landscape of a lake surrounded by green hills and rugged mountains under a cloudy sky.
Scenic view of snow-capped mountains with a green hillside in the foreground.
Modern house with wooden exterior in a mountainous landscape with low shrubs and a cloudy sky.
Modern house with wooden exterior, stone pathway, and landscaped yard, set against a backdrop of green hills and mountains at sunset.
A wooden building in a grassy field with rolling hills and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A modern wooden house with a zigzag roofline in a field of tall, dry grass, with mountain scenery in the background under an overcast sky.