Italy: DOC and DOCG
Italy mirrors France's pyramid. Two letters matter most — and the extra G is the giveaway of the top tier.
VINO
basic
IGT
regional (Super Tuscans!)
DOC
controlled origin
DOCG
+ 'Guaranteed' — top tier
- DOCG adds 'e Garantita' — guaranteed — with the strictest rules.
- IGT is looser but home to world-class Super Tuscans.
- Riserva = aged longer before release.
- Classico = the historic heartland of a zone (e.g. Chianti Classico).