For many winelovers, the lengthy and obscure descriptions on Italian wine labels can be quite intimidating, giving off a "keep at a distance" vibe. Italy is known for its diverse wine regions, grape varieties, and rich history, making it a complex and multifaceted world of wine that takes time to truly master.
Here, let's start with the basics, courtesy of HongKong Wineretailer Supreme Only!
Italian Red Wine Classification
As a historic Old World wine country, Italy has been gradually establishing and refining its wine classification system since 1963 to regulate its wine industry and promote its healthy development. Today, Italian wines are classified into four levels, from entry-level to the highest:
Vino da Tavola (VdT): Vino da Tavola, now known as "Vino d'Italia" under the 2011 classification system, represents the most basic entry-level Italian wine. These wines are often mass-produced, affordable, and come with minimal regulatory restrictions, making them a simple and versatile choice.
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT): IGT was introduced in 1992 to distinguish high-quality wines that don't meet the requirements for higher classifications. One famous example is "Super Tuscan," known for breaking traditional Tuscan wine regulations by using new winemaking methods and non-native grape varieties. Some Super Tuscans are as impressive as DOCG wines.
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC): DOC wines are subject to more stringent legal constraints compared to VdT and IGT. Italy has over 300 DOC regions, each with specific requirements for winemaking. The strict criteria ensure that DOC wines often have higher quality and reflect the unique characteristics of their regions, which also translates to higher prices.
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG): DOCG represents the highest level of Italian wine, with strict regulations governing grape varieties, yield limits, grape ripeness, winemaking processes, aging, and more. Each bottle of DOCG wine must undergo official quality control, and it is sealed with a government-issued code on the neck of the bottle to ensure quality.
Popular Italian Sparkling Wine (Prosecco)
Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced using the Charmat method, also known as the Italian Method or Martinolli Method. The secondary fermentation process, which creates the bubbles, takes place in stainless steel tanks, with minimal contact with the yeast (approximately 30 days). This method results in wines with fruity and floral characteristics.
The primary grape used to make Prosecco was once called Prosecco, but to avoid confusion, it was officially renamed GLERA in 2009.
Prosecco Varieties Unveiled
From a classification perspective, Prosecco mainly comes in three types: Prosecco DOC (larger and more common), Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (often referred to as Valdobbiadene), and the less commonly seen Colli Asolani Prosecco DOCG (also known as Asolo Prosecco).
Furthermore, within these classifications, there are subdivisions. For example, in the Prosecco DOC area, Treviso and Trieste can be specifically labeled. Within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG region, Superiore di Cartizze represents wine from a specific sub-area, and RIVE indicates grapes from steeper slopes and unique growing conditions.
Comparing Prosecco in Terms of Bubbles and Sugar Content
Regarding bubbles, Prosecco can be categorized into three main types:
Spumante, which provides bubbles similar to traditionally produced sparkling wines.
Tranquillo, offering a milder bubble sensation.
Frizzante, falling between the other two types.
In terms of sugar content, Spumante can further be divided into Brut (<12g/l), Extra Dry (12-17g/l), Dry (17-32g/l), Demi-sec (32-50g/l), and more. Frizzante can be divided into Secco (dry) or Amabile (semi-sweet).
There's also a unique version of Prosecco known as Colfondo (Italian for "with sediment"), sometimes labeled as Rifermentazione in Bottiglia. Some Prosecco producers have returned to traditional winemaking methods, allowing natural fermentation in the bottle without filtering excess yeast. This can result in a slightly cloudy appearance but enhances the wine's aroma and complexity.
For beginners in the world of wine, using the Italian wine classification system to choose Italian wines is the simplest approach. However, personal taste plays a significant role in selecting wine, as everyone has their own preferences. So, choose wines based on your own palate!
