How to Read an Italian Wine Label

During my wine tours in Umbria, I feel that many people are afraid to ask questions about wine. I think this is because the world of wine is often felt as “intimidating”. A world where only experts are accepted and where each question, even the most intelligent one, can be considered silly.

Robert Louis Stevenson said: “wine is bottled poetry”… maybe we sometimes add too much poetry?

Fall in Umbria

I’m sure that everybody, experts and beginners alike, can easily get a taste of the fascinating and incredible world of wine.

It’s up to us – wineries, sommeliers, wine guides, wine shopowners – being the ambassadors, to not only talk about the renowned names, technical info and descriptions. It is also about transmitting and sharing knowledge, the passion and love of such an amazing, and an important product for Italy.

Let’s start from the shelf: Reading Italian wine labels

In general, in Italy we have two labels: one in the front and the other in the back of the bottle.

On the main label in the front you will usually find the following information:

1. Name of the producer/winery
2. Name of the wine (not always the same as the name of the grape)
3. Year of the vintage (sometimes on the back label)
4. Infomation or acronyms that indicate the quality of the wine

Vino da tavola (table wine) or VDT simply denotes that the wine is made in Italy. Very basic and simple wine, it is rare to find a label on it.

Indicazione Geografica Tipica or IGT indicates wines that are considered to be of higher quality than simple table wines, but don’t conform to the strict wine laws for their region.

The winemakers are free to make their own blends, using the grapes they prefer. However, the grapes must be cultivated in the specific region where the IGT wine is produced, like IGT Umbria, for example. Many IGTs can be very good wines.

Denominazione di Origine Controllata or DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) shows that the wine is produced within specified areas in each region, using specific grapes and defined methods of production established by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita or DOCG (Controlled Designation of Origin Guaranteed) is similar to the DOC regarding the very strict regulations on grape cultivation and production. A difference is that DOCG labelled wines are analysed and tasted by government–licensed personnel before being bottled.

To prevent later manipulation, DOCG wine bottles are sealed with a numbered governmental seal across the cap. Sometimes under the name of the wine it is possible reading the following indications: Classico, which is reserved for wines produced in the area where a particular type of wine has been produced “traditionally” since centuries.

Grape harvest in Umbria

Riserva is used only for wines that have been aged at least a year or longer. On the label in the back we can usually find this information, as well as the company and the place where the wine was bottled (Imbottigliato da), the content in milliliters or centiliters (a standard bottle is 750 ml or 75cl), a rather long number beginning with capital L that indicates the batch (lotto), and the alcoholic content.

According to Italian regulations, the indication “Contiene solfiti” (Contains sulfites) is compulsory. The back label may also indicate the variety of grapes used, a brief description of the color and aromas, and even some suggestions on the wine pairing. In addition, the serving temperature is also indicated, a very important point to take into consideration before drinking your favorite wines.

Cheers! Salute!

If you have any questions about Italian wine or wine in general, please ask in the comments below and Alessandra will be happy to answer them. 

Author’s bio: This article was written by Alessandra from DiscoveringUmbria. You can also connect with her on Twitter at @discoverumbria