Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC): Difference between revisions
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== Definition and structure == | == Definition and structure == | ||
A wine labelled as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) must comply with a set of official production rules (disciplinare di produzione) that define the permitted grape varieties, maximum yields, ageing requirements, winemaking practices, and geographical boundaries. These regulations are designed to preserve the character and typicity of regional wines and to prevent misleading use of place names on labels | A wine labelled as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) must comply with a set of official production rules (disciplinare di produzione) that define the permitted grape varieties, maximum yields, ageing requirements, winemaking practices, and geographical boundaries. These regulations are designed to preserve the character and typicity of regional wines and to prevent misleading use of place names on labels<ref>Jancis Robinson, ''Jancis Robinson’s Wine Course'', 3rd ed., Abbeville Press, 2003, pp. 180–182, ISBN 0-7892-0883-0.</ref>. | ||
Each DOC wine must be produced within a designated zone and undergoes chemical and organoleptic analysis before it may be marketed under the DOC designation. Labelling is also strictly controlled: the DOC name must appear clearly, and terms such as “Classico”, “Riserva”, or “Superiore” are only permitted when certain additional criteria are met. | Each DOC wine must be produced within a designated zone and undergoes chemical and organoleptic analysis before it may be marketed under the DOC designation. Labelling is also strictly controlled: the DOC name must appear clearly, and terms such as “Classico”, “Riserva”, or “Superiore” are only permitted when certain additional criteria are met. | ||
The DOC classification sits above Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) and below Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) in the Italian wine hierarchy. While DOC wines are subject to stricter oversight than IGT wines, they are generally more flexible and accessible than DOCG wines, which face additional tasting panels and bottling controls | The DOC classification sits above Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) and below Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) in the Italian wine hierarchy. While DOC wines are subject to stricter oversight than IGT wines, they are generally more flexible and accessible than DOCG wines, which face additional tasting panels and bottling controls<ref>Tom Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', 4th ed., Dorling Kindersley, 2005, pp. 211–212, ISBN 0-7566-1324-8.</ref>. | ||
== Regional distribution and application == | == Regional distribution and application == | ||