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​Wines of Italy
​

DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) is a label granted to wines that have been recognized DOC wines for at least 5 years, of "particular quality value" and known at a national and international level. These wines undergo stricter controls, must be sold in bottles with a capacity of less than 5 liters, and bear a State label guaranteeing their origin and quality, as well as giving the possibility to number the bottles.

• Further information on the DOCG label
• DOCG products in the database of the Parks' local products

DOC - Controlled Designation of Origin Italian Quality Label
​After the 1992 enforcement of the European labels PDO, PGI, and TSG, this quality certification system has been exclusively used to distinguish quality wines. The DOC label is granted to wines produced in usually small or medium-size holdings and bearing their geographical name. Usually, the vine name follows the DOC name and the production discipline is rather strict. DOC wines are commercialized only after undergoing thorough chemical and sensorial analyses.
​

• Further information on the DOC label
• DOC products in the database of the Parks' local products​

​DOCG - Controlled and Guaranteed
​Designation of Origin Italian Quality Label

https://www.totalwine.com/wine/italy/c/000278

Italian appellation system In 1963, the first official Italian system of classification of wines was launched. Since then, several modifications and additions to the legislation have been made (a major one in 1992), the last of which, in 2010, has established four basic categories, which are consistent with the last EU regulation in matter of wine (2008-09). The categories, from the bottom level to the top one, are:

• Vini (Wines - informally called 'generic wines'): These are wines that can be produced anywhere in the territory of the EU; no indication of geographical origin, of the grape varieties used, or of the vintage is allowed on the label. (The label only reports the color of the wine.)

• Vini Varietali (Varietal Wines): These are generic wines that are made either mostly (at least 85%) from one kind of authorized 'international' grapes (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah) or entirely from two or more of them. The grape(s) and the vintage can be indicated on the label. (The prohibition to indicate the geographical origin is instead maintained. These wines can be produced anywhere in the territory of the EU).

• Vini IGP (Protected Geographical Indication): This category is reserved to wines produced in a specific territory within Italy and following a series of specific and precise regulations on authorized varieties, viticultural and vinification practices, organoleptic and chemico-physical characteristics, labeling instructions, etc. Currently (2013) there exist 118 IGP wines.

• Vini DOP (Protected Designation of Origin): This category includes two sub-categories, i.e. Vini DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and Vini DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin). DOC wines must have been IGP wines for at least 5 years. They generally come from smaller regions, within a certain IGP territory, that are particularly vocated for their climatic and geological characteristics and for the quality and originality of the local winemaking traditions. They also must follow stricter production regulations than IGP wines. A DOC wine can be promoted to DOCG if it has been a DOC for at least 10 years. In addition to fulfilling the requisites for DOC wines (since that's the category they come from), before commercialization DOCG wines must pass stricter analyses, including a tasting by a specifically appointed committee. DOCG wines have also demonstrated a superior commercial success. Currently (2013) there exist 330 DOC wines and 73 DOCG wines for a total of 403 DOP wines.​

A number of sub-categories also exist regulating the production of sparkling wines (e.g. Vino Spumante, Vino Spumante di Qualità, Vino Spumante di Qualità di Tipo Aromatico, Vino Frizzante).

Within the DOP category, 'Classico' is a wine produced in the historically oldest part of the protected territory. 'Superiore' is a wine with at least 0.5 more alc%/vol than its correspondent regular DOP wine and produced using a smaller allowed quantity of grapes per hectare, generally yielding a higher quality. 'Riserva' is a wine that has been aged for a minimum period of time, depending on the typology (red, white, Traditional-method sparkling, Charmat-method sparkling). Sometimes, 'Classico' or 'Superiore' are themselves part of the name of the DOP (e.g. Chianti Classico DOCG or Soave Superiore DOCG).

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture (MIPAAF) regularly publishes updates to the official classification.[8][9]

It is important to remark that looser regulations do not necessarily correspond to lower quality. In fact, many IGP wines are actually top level products, mainly due to the special skills of their producers (e.g. so called "Super Tuscan" wines are generally IGP wines, but there are also several other IGP wines of superior quality).

Unlike France, Italy has never had an official classification of its best 'crus'. However, in 2006 an unofficial Comitato Grandi Cru d'Italia (Committee of the Grand Crus of Italy) has been created by several renowned top Italian wine producers. 12 producers launched the project, 36 more were soon accepted by the original members and the committee currently lists 130 members. A number of top wineries are still missing, but in general the Comitato seems rather representative of the Italian wine excellence.

Here’s a breakdown of the top wine-producing countries and the leading exporters of wine to the United States as of 2025:

🍇 Top Wine-Producing Countries (2025)Measured in hectoliters (hl), where 1 hl = 100 liters:

1. France – 48 million hl
2. Italy – 38.3 million hl
3. Spain – 28.3 million hl
4. United States – 24.3 million hl
5. Chile – 11 million hl
6. Australia – 9.6 million hl
7. South Africa – 9.3 million hl
8. Argentina – 8.8 million hl
9. Germany – 8.6 million hl
10. Portugal – 7.5 million hl [1]

These ten countries account for the vast majority of global wine production.

🍷 Top Wine Exporters to the USA (2024–2025)​
While exact U.S.-specific import rankings by country aren't always published in one place, the top global wine exporters—many of whom are also the largest suppliers to the U.S.—include:

1. France – \$12.7 billion
2. Italy – \$8.8 billion
3. Spain – \$3.2 billion
4. Australia – \$1.8 billion
5. Chile – \$1.6 billion
6. United States – \$1.25 billion (exports, not imports)
7. New Zealand – \$1.22 billion
8. Germany – \$1.1 billion
9. Portugal – \$1 billion
10. Argentina – \$681.6 million [2]

The U.S. imports the most wine from:

• Italy
• France
• Spain
• New Zealand
• Australia
• Chile
• Argentina

These countries dominate U.S. wine imports both in volume and value
References
[1] Wine Producing Countries 2025 - World Population Review
[2] Wine Exports by Country 2024 - World's Top Exports

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Wines from Italy at Total Wine

Wine Enthusiast    winemag.com 

Sip, Swirl, Explore: Italy’s Must-Visit Wineries
 
If you're short on time in Italy or only have a few hours to explore, these are the wineries sommeliers recommend without hesitation. Why? Because they offer an exceptional snapshot of winemaking at its finest—authentic, memorable, and deeply rooted in their regions. Whether you're seeking standout wines, meaningful conversations, or a true sense of place, these are the must-visits on any curated wine itinerary.
  
Italy’s Best Winery Visits, According to the Pros
  
Kettmeir
 Known for its elegant Alto Adige wines, this historic estate offers breathtaking mountain views and crisp, alpine-inspired whites.
  
Masi
 A pioneer in Amarone production, Masi combines tradition and innovation for a world-class tasting experience in Valpolicella.
  
Giovanni Rosso
 A Barolo specialist, this family-run winery delivers classic Nebbiolo expressions and intimate vineyard tours.
   
Lamole di Lamole
 Nestled in Chianti Classico, this estate is prized for its high-altitude vineyards and nuanced Sangiovese wines.
  
Cantina Mesa
 A strikingly modern Sardinian winery, Cantina Mesa makes bold, sun-drenched wines that capture the island’s unique terroir.
  
Ca' Maiol
 Located near Lake Garda, this Lugana producer is celebrated for its vibrant whites and serene lakeside setting.
   
Ca' del Bosco
 © Giuseppe La Spada
 One of Franciacorta’s leading sparkling wine houses, Ca’ del Bosco blends artistry and precision in every glass.

August 13 th.

​Cheeses by Italian Province

• Abruzzo cheeses​
• Basilicata cheeses
• Calabria cheeses
• Campania cheeses
• Emilia-Romagna cheeses
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia cheeses
• Lazio cheeses
• Liguria cheeses
• Lombardia cheeses
• Marche cheeses
• Molise cheeses
• Piemonte cheeses
• Puglia cheeses
• Sardegna cheeses
• Sicilia cheeses
• Toscana cheeses
• Trentino-Alto Adige cheeses
• Umbria cheeses
• Valle d'Aosta cheeses
• Veneto cheeses

Quality Labels of Italy

Links to wine producers
Wine Regions of Italy
​
► Wines of Apulia‎ (3 P)
► Wines of Basilicata‎ (1 P) C
► Wines of Campania‎ (3 P) L
► Wines of Lombardy‎ (1 P) P
► Wines of Piedmont‎ (13 P) S
► Wines of South Tyrol‎ (3 P) T
​► Wines of Trentino‎ (2 P) V
► Wines of Veneto‎ (5 P)

A

• Abruzzo
• Abruzzo (wine)
• Acqui Terme
• Alba, Piedmont
• Aosta Valley
• Apulia
• Arcole

B

• Basilicata
• Bianco di Pitigliano
• Bolgheri
• Brunello di Montalcino

C

• Cagliari
• Calabria
• Calabrian wine
• Campania
• Carmignano DOCG
• Chianti
• History of Chianti
• Cinque Terre
• Colli Orientali del Friuli
• Colline Lucchesi
• Collio Goriziano

E

• Elba
• Emilia-Romagna
• Mount Etna
• Etna DOC

F

• Falerio dei Colli Ascolani
• Franciacorta
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine

G

• Garda, Veneto
• Gattinara

I

• Ischia

L

• Lagaria
• Langhe
• Lazio
• Liguria
• Liguria wine
• Lombardia (wine)
• Lombardy

M

• Marche
• Montalcino
• Montefalco
• Montferrat
• Monti, Sardinia

N

• Noto

O

• Orvieto
• Orvieto DOC

P

• Pantelleria
• Parrina
• Pavone Canavese
• Piedmont

• Piemonte (wine)
• Pitigliano
• Province of Novara
• Province of Ogliastra
• Province of Syracuse
• Province of Vercelli

R

• Roero
• Rosso Barletta DOC
• Ruché

S

• San Gimignano
• Sardinia
• Scansano
• Sicily
• Soave
• Sovana DOC

T

• Tuscan wine
• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol wine
• Tuscany

V

• Valle d'Aosta DOC
• Valpolicella
• Valtellina
• Veneto
• Veneto wine
• Vernaccia di San Gimignano
• Vulture (region)

​

Regions of Italy

Emilia Romagna

• Albana di Romagna (Bianco as secco or asciutto, amabile, dolce, passito and passito riserva), produced in the provinces of Bologna, Forlì-Cesena and Ravenna
• Colli Bolognesi, produced in the province of Bologna

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Ramandolo (Bianco), produced in the province of Udine, in the area of Ramandolo, in the commune of Nimis, Italy and in part of the comune of Tarcento
• Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit (Passito), produced in the province of Udine
• Rosazzo, produced in the province of Udine

Lombardia

• Franciacorta (as Spumante, Spumante rosé and Spumante cremant), produced in the province of Brescia
• Oltrepo Pavese Metodo Classico (as Rosé, Cremant, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé), produced in the province of Pavia
• Moscato di Scanzo or "Scanzo", produced in the province of Bergamo
• Sforzato di Valtellina or Sfurzat di Valtellina (Rosso), produced in the province of Sondrio
• Valtellina Superiore (Rosso as normale and Riserva) with the option to indicate one of the sub-regions Inferno, Grumello, Maroggia, Sassella and Valgella, produced in the province of Sondrio, or the sub-region Stagaflassi for wine bottled in Switzerland

Piedmont

• Asti in the sub-appellations Asti (Bianco) and Moscato d'Asti (Bianco), produced in the provinces of Asti, Cuneo and Alessandria
• Barbaresco (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Cuneo
• Barbera d'Asti (Rosso as normale and Superiore), produced in the province of Asti, with the option to indicate one of the sub-regions:[1]
  • Nizza in the region surrounding Nizza Monferrato
  • Tinella in the region surrounding Costigliole d'Asti
  • Colli Astiani in the region surrounding Vigliano d'Asti
• Barbera del Monferrato Superiore (Rosso), produced in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria
• Barolo (Rosso as normale, Riserva and Chinato), produced in the province of Cuneo
• Brachetto d'Acqui or Acqui (Rosso as normale and Spumante), produced in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria
• Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore or Dogliani (Rosso), produced in the province of Cuneo
• Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore or Ovada (Rosso), produced in the province of Alessandria
• Gattinara (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Vercelli
• Gavi or Cortese di Gavi (Bianco as Frizzante, Spumante and Tranquillo), produced in the province of Alessandria
• Ghemme (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Novara
• Roero (Bianco as Roero Arneis and Roero Arneis Spumante, Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Cuneo
• Erbaluce di Caluso or Caluso (Bianco), produced in the province of Torino
• Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba or Diano d'Alba (Rosso), produced in the province of Cuneo
• Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato (Rosso), produced in the province of Asti
• Alta Langa (Sparkling, traditional method), produced in the provinces of Alessandria, Asti and Cuneo

Veneto

• Amarone della Valpolicella[1]
• Bardolino Superiore (Rosso), produced in the province of Verona
• Colli di Conegliano, produced in the province of Treviso
• Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio or "Fior d'Arancio Colli Euganei, produced in the Padua
• Colli Asolani Prosecco or "Asolo Prosecco", produced in the province of Treviso
• Conegliano Valdobbiadene, produced in the province of Treviso
• Lison-Pramaggiore, produced in the province of Treviso and straddling the border with Friuli
• Malanotte Raboso Superiore Produced in the Piave area
• Montello, produced in the province of Treviso
• Recioto di Soave (Bianco as normale, Classico and Spumante), produced in the province of Verona
• Soave Superiore (Bianco as normale, Classico and Riserva), produced in the province of Verona
• Recioto di Gambellara (Bianco)
• Recioto della Valpolicella[1]
• Prosecco Produced in certain zones of Prov di Treviso

Central regions Abruzzo

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, produced in the province of Teramo and named after the typical grape

Lazio

• Cannellino di Frascati, produced in the province of Roma
• Cesanese del Piglio or "Piglio", grown in the Prenestina hills southeast of Rome. Red, some sparkling is produced.
• Frascati Superiore, produced in the province of Roma

Marche

• Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva, produced in the province of Ancona
• Conero (Rosso only as Riserva), produced in the province of Ancona
• Offida, produced in the province of Ascoli Piceno
• Vernaccia di Serrapetrona (Rosso as Dolce and Secco), produced in the province of Macerata
• Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva, produced in the province of Matelica

​Tuscany

• Brunello di Montalcino (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Siena
• Carmignano (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the provinces of Firenze and Prato
• Chianti (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the provinces of Arezzo, Firenze, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena; with the option to indicate one of the sub-regions:
  • Classico as normale and Riserva, produced in the provinces of Firenze and Siena [2]
  • Colli Aretini as normale and Riserva produced in the province of Arezzo
  • Colli Senesi as normale and Riserva, produced in the province of Siena
  • Colli Fiorentini as normale and Riserva, produced in the province of Firenze
  • Colline Pisane as normale and Riserva, produced in the province of Pisa
  • Montalbano as normale and Riserva, produced in the provinces of Firenze, Pistoia and Prato
  • Montespertoli as normale and Riserva, produced in the province of Pisa
  • Rufina as normale and Riserva, produced in the province of Firenze
  • Chianti Superiore, produced throughout the Chianti region with the exception of the classico sub-region.
• Montecucco produced in the province of Grosseto
• Morellino di Scansano (Rosso as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Grosseto
• Suvereto produced in the province of Livorno
• Val di Cornia produced in the province of Livorno and Pisa
• Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Bianco as normale and Riserva), produced in the province of Siena
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Rosso as normal and Riserva), produced in the province of Siena

Umbria

• Sagrantino di Montefalco (Rosso as Secco and Passito), produced in the province of Perugia
• Torgiano Rosso Riserva (Rosso only as Riserva), produced in the province of Perugia

Southern regions Basilicata

• Aglianico del Vulture Superiore, produced in the province of Potenza

Campania

• Aglianico del Taburno, produced in the province of Benevento
• Fiano di Avellino (bianco), produced in the province of Avellino using the Fiano grape.
• Greco di Tufo (bianco, also as spumante), produced in the province of Avellino
• Taurasi (rosso also as Riserva), produced in the province of Avellino

Puglia

• Castel del Monte Bombino Nero, produced in the provinces of Bari and Foggia
• Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Reserva, produced in the provinces of Bari and Foggia
• Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva, produced in the provinces of Bari and Foggia
• Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale, produced in the province of Taranto

Sardinia

• Vermentino di Gallura (Bianco as normale and Superiore), produced in the provinces of Nuoro and Sassari

Sicily

• Cerasuolo di Vittoria (Rosso as normale and Classico), produced in the provinces of Caltanissetta, Catania and Ragusa

Abruzzo

Choose a Province

• Chieti
• Pescara
• Teramo
• L'Aquila

Basilicata

Choose a Province

• Matera
• Potenza

Calabria

Choose a Province

• Cosenza
• Crotone
• Catanzaro
• Vibo Valentia
• Reggio Calabria

​Campania

Choose a Province

• Naples
• Caserta
• Salerno
• Avellino
• Benevento

Emilia Romagna

Choose a Province

• Forlì - Cesena
• Parma
• Modena
• Rimini
• Bologna
• Ferrara
• Ravenna
• Piacenza
• Reggio Emilia

​Friuli Venezia Giulia
​
Choose a Province

• Udine
• Gorizia
• Trieste
• Pordenone

Lazio

Choose a Province

• Rome
• Rieti
• Latina
• Viterbo
• Frosinone

Liguria

Choose a Province

• Genoa  *
• Savona
• Imperia
• La Spezia

Lombardy

Choose a Province

• Bergamo
• Brescia
• Como
• Cremona
• Lecco
• Lodi
• Mantua
• Milan
• Monza and Brianza
• Pavia
• Sondrio
• Varese

​The Marches

Choose a Province

• Ancona
• Pesaro and Urbino
• Macerata
• Ascoli Piceno
• Fermo

Molise

Choose a Province

• Isernia
• Campobasso

Piedmont

Choose a Province

• Vercelli
• Turin
• Novara
• Verbano Cusio Ossola
• Cuneo
• Biella
• Asti
• Alessandria

Apulia

Choose a Province

• Bari
• Lecce
• Foggia
• Taranto
• Brindisi
• Barletta-Andria-Trani

Sardinia

Choose a Province

• Nuoro
• Sassari
• Cagliari
• Oristano
• Carbonia-Iglesias
• Medio Campidano
• Ogliastra
• Olbia-Tempio

Sicily

Choose a Province

• Enna
• Ragusa
• Catania
• Messina
• Palermo
• Trapani
• Syracuse
• Agrigento
• Caltanissetta

Tuscany

Choose a Province

• Pisa
• Lucca
• Prato
• Siena
• Arezzo
• Florence
• Livorno
• Pistoia
• Grosseto
• Massa Carrara

Trentino Alto Adige
​
Choose a Province

• Trento
• Bolzano

​Umbria

Choose a Province

• Terni
• Perugia

​Aosta Valley

Choose a Province

• Aosta

Veneto

Choose a Province

• Vicenza
• Verona
• Venice
• Treviso
• Rovigo
• Padua
• Belluno