How to Read Italian Wine Labels

Italian Wine Label Explained

What is IGT, DOC and DOCS in Italian Wines?

by Anastasia Bakker Tuscany, Italy March 1, 2025

Understanding Italian Wine Labels - How to read Italian wine labels Trying to understand how to read Italian wine labels? This wine labels guide will help you with that!

Italian wines are some of the most renowned in the world, but their labels can often seem complex to those unfamiliar with the system. Unlike wines labeled by grape variety, Italian wines are typically named after their region of origin — like Chianti, Barolo, or Brunello di Montalcino — and classified based on strict quality standards.

Understanding an Italian wine label means knowing what is DOCG, DOC, and IGT, which indicate quality and production rules.

You’ll also come across terms like Riserva (aged longer), Classico (from a historic region), and Metodo Classico (traditional sparkling wine production). The label also provides essential information like the producer, vintage, alcohol content, and bottling location, all of which help determine the wine’s character and authenticity.

Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy. – Benjamin Franklin

What is IGT, DOC and DOCG in Italian wine? In Italy, wines are classified into different categories based on quality, production rules, and regional authenticity. The three main classifications you’ll often see on Italian wine labels are IGT, DOC, and DOCG.

Wine Labels Explained

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) – More Flexibility, Less Restriction
IGT wines are a step above table wine but with fewer production restrictions than DOC or DOCG wines. They come from a specific region but allow winemakers more freedom in grape selection and winemaking techniques. Many Super Tuscans started as IGT wines because they didn’t conform to traditional DOC or DOCG regulations.
Example: Toscana IGT (widely used for high-quality, non-traditional blends in Tuscany).
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) – Stricter Rules, Regional Identity
DOC wines follow strict regulations regarding grape varieties, winemaking methods, and aging. These wines must come from a well-defined region with quality control measures in place.
Example: Bolgheri DOC, which must contain at least 70% Sangiovese.
DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) – The Highest Quality Standard
DOCG wines follow even stricter regulations, including lower yields, longer aging, and additional quality tests. These wines undergo tasting panels before being bottled and receive a numbered government seal.
Example: Chianti DOCG, one of the most prestigious wines in Italy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Super Tuscan wine? View Answer+

Super Tuscans are high-quality IGT wines made in Tuscany, often blending Sangiovese with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These Italian wines broke traditional Italian regulations but became world-famous for their bold and elegant flavors.

How do I know the vintage (year) of the wine?view answer+

The vintage year on an Italian wine label tells you when the grapes were harvested. Some years (like 2016 for Brunello di Montalcino) are considered exceptional due to ideal weather conditions.

What does “Riserva” mean on an Italian wine bottle?view answer+

“Riserva” means the wine has been aged longer than standard versions.

What does “Classico” mean on a wine label?view answer+

A “Classico” indicates that the wine comes from the original, historic production area of a region.

What do the terms "Secco," "Amabile," and "Dolce" mean?view answer+

These terms describe the sweetness level of the wine. Secco – Dry (like Chianti, Barolo). Amabile – Semi-sweet (like some Lambrusco wines). Dolce – Sweet (like Vin Santo, Moscato d'Asti)

What does “Metodo Classico” mean on a sparkling wine?view answer+

This means the wine was made using the traditional Champagne method, where the second fermentation happens in the bottle.