What is DOCG? (How’s It Different From DOC, 10 Best Wines, Prices)

DOCG is Italy’s highest wine classification.

It was introduced in 1980 because of a general feeling that the DOC designation — based on the French AOC (Appellation d’origine controlee) system — was granted too liberally to many wines.

Wines with the DOCG designation are approved by the Italian government, guaranteeing exceptional quality.

Let’s explore what DOCG is and 10 exotic DOCG wines to try in 2022. We’ll also discuss how the DOCG and DOC wine classifications differ and explore other Italian wine classifications.

What Is DOCG?

Created in 1980 to distinguish top Italian wines, the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest wine classification in Italy.

Originally, only three wines were considered worthy of the DOCG status: Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Barolo. Today, there are 78 wines boasting the coveted DOCG designation.

Wines under the DOCG classification are prized for their:

• Controlled (controllata) production methods — Winemakers adhere to stringent rules governing permitted grape varieties, yield limits, grape ripeness, vinification processes, and more.

• Guaranteed (garantita) wine quality — Panels approved by the Italian government taste, analyze, and approve the DOCG wines before bottling.

Once approved, each DOCG wine bottle receives a numbered government seal across its neck, preventing manipulation or counterfeiting.

Want to try a bottle of DOCG wine?

10 Stunning DOCG Wines To Buy In 2022

Here are 10 exceptional DOCG wines to try today:

• 1999 Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG
• 2000 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto Riserva - Falleto Vigna Le Rocche’ Barolo
• 1990 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri
• 1995 Gaja Sori Tildin Langhe-Barbaresco
• 2003 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata
• 2008 Capezzana Villa di Trefiano Riserva
• 2007 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG
• 2018 Zardetto Tre Venti Prosecco Superiore di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG
• 2017 Eremo Tuscolano ‘Cerquola’
• NV La Gioiosa et Amorosa Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

1. 1999 Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy ($1,143)

This red wine’s sweet earth and elegant truffle fragrances give way to a juicy palate with tobacco and chocolate notes.

2. 2000 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto Riserva - Falleto Vigna Le Rocche’ Barolo DOCG, Barolo, Italy ($904)

This Barolo’s nose reveals balsamic notes of dark cherries and roses. On the palate, this great wine from the Barolo DOCG appellation is juicy and fresh, with fine-grained tannins.

3. 1990 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy ($661)

This Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon blend opens with mushroom and Maggi herb scents. Its concentrated yet soft palate leaves a subtle aftertaste of red fruit.

4. 1995 Gaja Sori Tildin Langhe-Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy ($453)

A bouquet of fine spice and licorice aromas greet the nose. This is a great wine with a luscious palate and a wonderfully rich taste.

5. 2003 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy ($173)

This Sangiovese grape wine bursts with almond, plump berry, and red apple fragrances. Its palate unveils delicate flavors, chewy tannins, and a long-lasting finish.

6. 2008 Capezzana Villa di Trefiano Riserva, Carmignano DOCG, Italy ($150)

Black fruit aromas dominate this wine’s nose. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grape varieties, this red wine has a well-structured palate with spicy accents.

7. 2007 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy ($31)

This soft and supple Chianti Classico has a plush palate flaunting red fruit, blue flower, and spice notes.

8. 2018 Zardetto Tre Venti Prosecco Superiore di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($24)

On the nose, this sparkling white wine highlights ripe yellow fruit and quince scents. This Prosecco DOCG wine has a steely and dry palate showcasing delicate perlage.

9. 2017 Eremo Tuscolano ‘Cerquola’, Frascati Superiore DOCG, Italy ($17)

A creamy palate with ripe flavors of tangerine, yellow peach, grapefruit, and apple makes this an irresistible white wine.

10. NV La Gioiosa et Amorosa Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($16)

Green apple and honeysuckle aromas dominate this Prosecco DOCG wine’s nose. It has a smooth and creamy palate delivering apple, pear, and vanilla flavors.

We’ll now explore the differences between the DOCG and DOC wine classifications:

How Is DOCG Different From DOC?

Both the Italian DOC and DOCG wines are subject to strict quality control. 

Like the French AOC system, the Italian DOC designation delimits the production area, permitted grape varieties, wine styles, wine color, maximum/minimum alcohol level, vinification techniques, and more.

However, DOCG regulations are tighter and more restrictive. For instance, the maximum permitted grape yield is lower for DOCG than DOC. 

Also, DOCG wines come with an additional “guarantee” of quality from the Italian government.

Let’s briefly go over Italy’s other wine label classifications next:

A Quick Look At Other Italian Wine Classifications

Besides DOCG and DOC, there are two Italian wine label classifications:

1. IGT

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), introduced in 1992, is a wine classification primarily regulating the region of origin — IGT wines must be produced from grapes grown in specific areas. 

But there are no restrictions on the grape variety used or the wine style produced.

Italian wine makers who produce non-traditional, quality wines that don’t conform to DOCG or DOC regulations release their bottles under the IGT wine classification. However, that doesn’t mean IGT wines are of low quality.

Interestingly, many of Italy’s Super Tuscan wines, famous for their pristine quality and astronomical price tags, fall under the IGT wine classification.

2. VdT

Vino da Tavola (VdT), meaning table wine, is the lowest Italian wine classification. Wines under this classification can be made from grapes grown anywhere in Italy. Also, there are no strict rules regulating the vinification process of Vino da Tavola wines.

In the 1970s and 1980s, some experimental wine makers produced unorthodox, superior quality wines under this category. 

However, today, Italian table wines don’t have sufficient quality for the European or US markets.

Add A DOCG Bottle To Your Wine Collection!

DOCG wines are loved for their rich flavors and unparalleled prestige. Most importantly, the DOCG wines come with an approval of quality from the Italian government. 

If you’re interested in buying authentic DOCG wines and other fine wines, check out Vinovest.

Vinovest is an AI-enabled online wine investment platform you can use to buy, store, and sell premium wines from anywhere in the world.