D.O.C & Other Abbreviations

D.O.C

'D.O.C' stands for ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata’, which translates to ‘Controlled Denomination of Origin’. It is a symbol of quality and bottles only achieve ‘D.O.C’ status when they are produced in certain regions using specific methods. 'D.O.C' is similar to France’s ‘A.O.C’.

D.O.C.G

'D.O.C.G' stands for ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita’, which translates to ‘Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin’. 'D.O.C.G' came about to acknowledge wines which were of higher quality than 'D.O.C' wines and as a result the guidelines are stricter. In fact, in order to achieve 'D.O.C.G' status wines are inspected by government licensed testers and only when approved by this quality assuring body, are they allowed to carry the abbreviation. A way to tell is by the numbered government seal across the cap or cork.

I.G.T

'I.G.T' stands for 'Indicazione Geografica Tipica’. This is another recognition of quality given to wines, but wines that do not adhere to traditional blending methods and therefore cannot be given 'D.O.C.G' or 'D.O.C'. The label usually states information about the region they represent. 'I.G.T' is similar to France’s ‘Vin de Pays’.

V.D.T

'V.D.T' stands for ‘Vino da Tavola’ which translates to ‘Table Wine’. Again recognition that the wine has been created to certain standards however the standards are not as strict as the other three categories. Although they do not follow the guidelines of the above, this does not necessarily mean low quality. 'V.D.T' is similar to Frances’s ‘Vin de Table’.