View source for Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)

‘’‘Indicazione Geografica Tipica’’’ (IGT) is a classification in the Italian wine system, introduced in 1992 to identify wines of recognised geographic origin that fall outside the stricter rules of [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)]] or [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)]]. It roughly corresponds to the EU category of [[Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)]] and allows for greater varietal and stylistic freedom. The creation of IGT provided a legal framework for high-quality wines that did not conform to traditional blending or ageing requirements, such as many of the so-called Super Tuscans<ref>Madeline Puckette, ''How to Read Italian Wine Labels'', Wine Folly, https://winefolly.com/tips/read-italian-wine-label/, accessed August 2025.</ref>.

== Background and Purpose ==

The IGT classification was formally established under Italian law in 1992, during a period of reform aimed at aligning national wine regulations with those of the European Union. Its primary function was to acknowledge the geographical origin of wines that did not meet the rigid production rules required for DOC or DOCG status, yet still demonstrated quality and regional character<ref>Articolo 30 Codice della proprietà industriale, D.lgs. 10 febbraio 2005, n. 30, https://www.brocardi.it/codice-della-proprieta-industriale/capo-ii/sezione-ii/art30.html, accessed August 2025.</ref>.

Before IGT was introduced, many innovative Italian wines — particularly from [[Tuscany]] — lacked formal recognition despite critical acclaim. The classification therefore served to legitimise wines that used non-traditional grape varieties, modern vinification techniques, or blended across boundaries that would disqualify them from higher denominations. In this way, IGT became an important bridge between traditional regional wines and international market trends<ref>Karen MacNeil, ''The Wine Bible'', Workman Publishing, 2001, pp. 271–273.</ref>.

== Usage and Characteristics ==

IGT wines occupy a flexible middle ground within the [[Italian wine classification]] system. They must be produced within a specified geographical area, which is indicated on the label, and meet basic criteria concerning grape variety, alcohol content, and provenance. However, compared to Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), IGT allows greater freedom in terms of permitted grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and stylistic expression.

This flexibility has made the category especially valuable for innovative or international-style wines that fall outside traditional appellation boundaries. Producers are able to use non-indigenous grapes such as [[Merlot]], [[Syrah]], or [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], or to experiment with blends that do not conform to DOC/DOCG rules. This has led to the emergence of premium wines under the IGT label, especially in regions like Tuscany and Sicily<ref>Karen MacNeil, ''The Wine Bible'', Workman Publishing, 2001, pp. 271–273.</ref>.

== Regional use and flexibility ==

IGT classifications are spread across all Italian regions, with notable examples including Toscana IGT, Veneto IGT and Sicilia IGT. Each region defines its own set of rules, typically allowing a broader range of permitted grape varieties and techniques compared to Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG).

This flexibility has been particularly useful for producers experimenting with international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, or with non-traditional blends. In Tuscany, for example, many high-end wines that do not meet DOC or DOCG blending requirements are instead released under the Toscana IGT label. Some of these, like the so-called Super Tuscans, have gained international acclaim despite lacking higher-tier classification status.<ref>Karen MacNeil, ''The Wine Bible'', Workman Publishing, 2001, pp. 271–273.</ref>.

== Relationship to EU wine law ==

The IGT designation broadly aligns with the European Union’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) system, established under EU Regulation No. 1308/2013. While the Italian labelling continues to use national terms like IGT, these are legally recognised under the EU framework and subject to its regulatory standards.

The connection allows IGT wines to benefit from pan-European protection of origin, provided they meet the necessary requirements for traceability and regional identity. However, IGT regulations remain less prescriptive than those governing DOC and DOCG wines, both in terms of permitted grape varieties and vinification practices. This alignment facilitates international trade while preserving flexibility for producers operating outside traditional DOC/DOCG parameters<ref>Articolo 30 Codice della proprietà industriale, D.lgs. 10 febbraio 2005, n. 30, https://www.brocardi.it/codice-della-proprieta-industriale/capo-ii/sezione-ii/art30.html, accessed August 2025.</ref>.

== See also ==
* [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)]]

* [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)]]

* [[Super Tuscan]]

* [[Italian wine classification]]

* [[Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)]]

== References ==
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