What does DOCG mean?
DOCG is Italy's highest designation of origin, with stricter rules than DOC and an official check before the wine may be sold.
Also known as: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita
DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita and is the highest level in the Italian system of designations of origin. Garantita means that origin and rules are not only controlled but guaranteed through an extra check of every wine.
The first DOCG areas were approved in 1980, among them Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Today there are nearly 80, including Chianti Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella, Franciacorta and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. An area must first have held DOC for several years, currently at least seven, before it can become DOCG.
The rules are stricter than for DOC, often with lower yields, longer ageing and a narrower choice of grapes. The wines are analysed and tasted by a commission before they may be sold as DOCG. The bottle carries an official strip over the neck with a unique number, so every bottle can be traced.
DOCG therefore tells you a great deal about origin and rules. In the EU, DOCG, like DOC, counts as a protected designation of origin, DOP.