ITALIAN WINE(2)
HOW TO ORDER/BUY
Wines from Italy come in virtually ever color, flavor, and style, but here are a few tips to consider when choosing a good Italian wine.
Just keep in mind:
• Choosing an Italian wine of DOCG classification does not guarantee you a wine better than those of lesser rankings; however, these DOCG wines have held consistent outstanding reputations for at least fives years.
• Many Italian table wines have been included in the most worthy wine lists over the years, so take a chance! These wines come from some of Italy’s most crafty and creative vintners.
• Choose bright whites to go with white meats and bold reds for red meats.
LEGAL QUALITY CODES
The Italians have strict controls on their wines, regulated by specific laws to ensure origin, intrinsic quality, and authenticity. The four classifications of Italian wine — from superior quality with tight regulations to the most innovative and leniently regulated — are:
1. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Classified as superior DOCs.
• Held to strict standards in regard to:o reduced output yields
o in-depth chemical analyses of wine’s composition
o specified sensory analyses
o minimum alcohol the wine must contain
o minimum periods of aging
2. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)• Classified as quality wines.
• Held to strict standards in regard to:o maximum yields
o specified sensory analyses
o originating zone
o minimum alcohol the wine must contain
o minimum periods of aging
o grape variety
3. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)• Exceptional value for the money
• Less restrictions but high quality
• Less strictly controlled in regard to:o wider territories
o single-grape variety or maximum blend ratios
4. Table Wine• Everyday wine of Italy.
• Some of Italy’s best and priciest wines.
• Strictly controlled in regard to:o level of alcohol
• Not regulated in regard to:
o single-grape and blended varieties
o winemaking techniques
