What are DOC and DOCG wines? Let's explore the basics and the differences between the two types!
DOC - Denominazione di Origine Controllata (controlled designation of origin): This specifies vineyards, and the cellars in which the wines are aged, are within a certain region. The certification dictates the number of grapes used, minimum alcohol content, and the actual aging process. Soave, Liguria, and Calabria are just some of the wines branded with this label.
DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (controlled and guaranteed designation of origin): The strictest standards are adhered under DOCG certification, including grape ripeness, grape varieties, and the exact wine making process. The first wine to receive the DOCG label was Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany.
Some other wines bearing this label are Chianti, Barolo, and Barbaresco. These certifications were put in place by the Italian government to regulate wine makers, making them adhere to certain quality standards. There are 330 wines under the DOC label. An elite 74 wines in Italy are labeled DOCG.
