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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.

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.
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​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
Quality Labels of Italy
Links to wine producers
Wine Regions of Italy
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► 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)
ABCE
FGILMNO
PRSTV
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Regions of Italy
Emilia RomagnaFriuli-Venezia GiuliaLombardiaPiedmont
VenetoCentral regions AbruzzoLazioMarche
​Tuscany
UmbriaSouthern regions BasilicataCampaniaPugliaSardiniaSicily

Chef Lilly - Home Made Pot Pies

Dominick's Italian Restaurant and Bar -  1 Hoboken Road East Rutherford NJ


​My first published book in partnership with my oldest son Matt
​

Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025
by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor)

A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy!
Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister!

​Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart.

A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival!

​
Buy on Amazon amzn.to/4lhheGr



See more children's books on Matt's page

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Tyler Fugazzie                                                                          Matthew Fugazzie


​Partner with helping-Brands

​The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - ​in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests

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