DOC or IGT: What Are the Differences and Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to Italian wine, two acronyms often come up: DOC and IGT. Both indicate a certification of quality, but they differ in characteristics, criteria, and meaning. In this article, we’ll explore what DOC and IGT mean, their main differences, and when it’s best to choose a DOC or IGT wine.
The Origins of Italian Wine Classifications
Italy’s wine classification system officially began in 1963 with the introduction of Law no. 930, which established the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). The goal was to protect traditional Italian wines tied to specific geographic areas and time-honored production methods.
In 1992, with Law no. 164, the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) was introduced to recognize those producers who, while not fully adhering to DOC regulations, created high-quality wines representative of their territory.
What Does DOC Mean: Denominazione di Origine Controllata
La sigla DOC sta per Denominazione di Origine Controllata. Si tratta di un riconoscimento attribuito ai vini prodotti in una determinata zona geografica e secondo precisi disciplinari di produzione.
Caratteristiche principali della DOC:
- Specific controls on production
- Delimited geographic area
- Use of specific grape varieties
- Regulated winemaking techniques
- Chemical and organoleptic analyses
A DOC wine must follow a strict set of rules, defined by its regulation, which ensures the wine’s typicity and consistent quality.
What IGT Means: Indicazione Geografica Tipica
The acronym IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica. This level of certification is more flexible than DOC and was introduced to recognize quality wines tied to a specific geographical area, but with greater production freedom.
Main characteristics of DOC:
- Defined reference geographic area
- Greater freedom in grape varieties
- Fewer restrictions on production techniques
- Good traceability and connection to the territory
IGT wines allow producers to experiment with grape types and winemaking methods not allowed under the stricter DOC or DOCG guidelines.
Main Differences Between DOC and IGT
Let’s compare the two certifications directly:
| Aspect | DOC | IGT |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | Stricter | Less strict |
| Regulations | Detailed and restrictive | More flexible |
| Grapes | Predefined | Freer (within certain limits) |
| Geographic area | Narrower | Broader |
| Tradition | Strong historical connection | More openness to innovation |
Better DOC or IGT? It Depends on What You’re Looking For
The question “Is DOC or IGT better?” has no single answer. It depends on your preferences, the kind of wine you’re looking for, and the occasion.
When to Choose a DOC wine
Choose a DOC wine if:
- You want a product tied to local tradition
- You seek consistent quality standards
- You’re interested in the typicity of a specific territory
When to Choose an IGT wine
Choose an IGT wine if:
- You want to explore innovative or unconventional wines
- You prefer international varietals or unusual blends
- You’re looking for a good quality/price ratio
Many “Supertuscans”—the famous high-end Tuscan wines born from international blends—are classified as IGT because of their creative production approach.
In conclusion, both DOC and IGT wines represent two different expressions of Italian wine excellence. Denominazione di Origine Controllata focuses on tradition and strict territorial standards, while Indicazione Geografica Tipica offers more space for producers’ creativity.
How to Choose Between DOC and IGT
Here are some criteria to keep in mind:
- Occasion: for formal events or gifts, DOC is often the better choice
- Budget: IGT wines can offer pleasant surprises at more accessible prices
- Curiosity: if you love to experiment, IGT wines are perfect
- Tradition: if you want an authentic and historical flavor, choose DOC
Both designations offer excellent wines. The important thing is to be guided by your own taste.