How To Read an Italian Wine Label
You’re at a wine store/liquor store. You want to try a Super Tuscan. You have no idea where to start. Or maybe, you’re a dedicated Chianti lover and want to branch out but don’t have a clue what to look for. Or… maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about. In any case, let’s talk about how to figure out an Italian wine label, because, unless you are fluent in Italian, most of it is over my head.
This wine was 🤤
Classifications
Italy classifies its wine into the following categories: VdT (Vino da Tavola), IGT (Indicazione Geografic Tipica), DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) - from “lowest” quality to highest quality respectively. VdTs and IGTs are more generalized and often refer to basic table wines. They’re generally blends of several grapes that may, or may not be local to the area - or even Italy. As you get to higher quality wines of DOC / DOCG classification, the wines tend to be more regulated, and styles more consistent and predictable. Mandates of these classifications don’t only include grape type, but also where grapes are grown, minimum aging times, alcohol levels, and harvest yields. In comparison, DOCG wines have even more strict regulations (for instance they must be aged longer) and are required to be submitted to the government before they earn the designation. While the classification won’t tell you the type of wine you’re drinking, at the very least it will tell you the quality of wine (and whether it’s worth the $$).
Region/Sub-Region
This is typically right next to the classification listing - you’ll see “Valpolicella DOCG”, or “Toscana Indicazione Geografica Tipica”. But why do I care about the region? You may ask. As you learn more and more about Italian wine, you’ll find the industry is steeped in tradition and rather unchanging in its ways. If the Veneto region is known for Pinot Grigio, then more often than not, a wine that has “Veneto” on it, will likely be an Italian, acidic, fruity, light, and simple Pinot Grigio. Other notable regions and grapes in Italy that can help you assume what your bottle may have in store:
Chaotic map drawing is the best way I studied Italian regions for the WSET exam.
Soave - Garganega, a high-acid, dry, white wine full of citrus notes
Valpolicella - Corvina, a light-bodied, red cherry/plum, forward red wine. However, Valpolicella can come in different styles so take note (see below section on “Terms”)
Friuli-Venezia - Pinot Grigio, the aromatic, dry, light, fruity wine you know or non-Prosecco sparkling wines.
Gavi - Cortese, is the crisp, aromatic, peach-forward wine best enjoyed young.
Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino - Sangiovese, the quintessential, high-acidity, Italian red that pairs well with — well, everything Italian (think tomato sauces, pizza, etc.)
Barolo, Barbaresco - Nebbiolo, another full-bodied, big Italian red full of tannins and acidity.
Puglia - Primitivo (Italian for Zinfandel), similar to a California Zin, a Primitivo has the same jammy red fruit with lots of tannins and high alcohol content, but Primitvo here generally has a slightly sweet finish.
If all else fails - Google is your best friend.
Terms
Terms to indicate the wine will have some level of sweet-ness: dolce, dolcificazione, appassimento, abboccato, amabile, botrizzato, muffa nobile, passito, spuma, spumante, vendemmia tardiva, vivace
Terms to indicate some level of bubbles: bollicine, effervescenza, frizzante, metodo classico/Charmat/Martinotti/tradizionale, zucchero
Terms to indicate the wine is dry: secco, asciutto
Aged: invecchiato, maturazione/maturo, quercia, riserva, vecchio
Young: acerbo, fresco, giovane, novello, vivace
Final Thoughts
When all else fails and you’re just completely overwhelmed - your local wine store is usually a great resource and is usually pretty knowledgeable about the wines they carry. Tell them what you’re looking for and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with wine in my opinion - even if it’s picked for some arbitrary reason (pretty label, cool bottle, a familiar-sounding name, etc.). Don’t like it? Take note of the style, region and/or grape - now you know what you don’t like… which is probably just as important as what you do like - and buy another bottle!
