Did you know that Italy is one of the largest wine producers in the world? A whopping 702 000 hectares of land are dedicated to vineyards. Wine is, of course, an integral part of the Italian diet, not least because of the truly varied selection.
What are the famous Italian red wines?
Some of the best known Italian red wines are Barolo, Chianti, Cirò, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Sassicaia, Valpolicella and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
What are the best known Italian white wines?
When thinking of white wines, Pinot Grigio and Sauvingnon will certainly come to mind for wine lovers. But they are also known for Franciacorta, Lison, Orvieto, Soave, Verdicchio and Vermentino.
What are the grades of Italian wines?
Italian wines mainly fall into four quality classes: Vino da Tavola (VdT), Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT), Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG).
Vino da Tavola (VdT) indicates that it is the simplest type of table wine. It is often made using grapes and technology that are not well regulated and do not necessarily comply with all quality rules. These wines tend to be slightly more acidic and less enjoyable.
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) refers to the fact that a wine is produced in a specific region, but although it is already produced here according to specific rules and practices, these wines do not yet meet the quality standards required to obtain the DOC or DOCG label. Put simply, they are regional wines.
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) indicates that the wine must have carried the IGT label for at least 5 years. This, in turn, means that grapes from a specific region have been used to make the wine. These wines also have a minimum natural alcohol level. There are around 300 DOC wine regions in Italy.
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) indicates that the wine has been IGT for at least 5 years and DOC for at least 10 years. Once this time has elapsed, the wine is eligible for the DOCG label, the highest quality label for Italian wines. In addition to the strict rules, DOCG wines must pass a wine test carried out by a special committee.
Want to get to know the exciting world of Italian wine?
If you consider yourself a wine gourmand or just a lover of the thing, you should take a look at the Da Vinci Food wine selection now. Find your new favourite Italian wine from the range of red, white or rosé wines .
