The Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) system was introduced in 1963 as a means of formalizing and protecting Italian wine appellations.
The French AOC system acted as a model for Italian authorities, as they established maximum yields, approved varieties and viticultural practices, set geographical boundaries, and authorized vinification techniques, styles, and minimum (or maximum) alcohol levels for each DOC wine. The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) category, a more prestigious and—theoretically—higher quality designation designed to represent the best of Italian wine, was also introduced in 1963, although the first DOCG was not awarded until 1980, when Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano were upgraded from DOC. Most DOCGs (and many DOCs) stipulate minimum aging requirements for the wines—a notable departure from the legal requirements set by most French appellations. Over time, the system became unwieldy and too lenient; yields and geographical restrictions became too generous. Hundreds of DOC zones were established, leading to consumer confusion. Even the DOCG category, which should only include the recognizable benchmarks of Italian wine, was watered down by such unlikely promotions as Romagna Albana. As criticism of the system amplified in the 1970s and 1980s, many of Italy’s finer producers resorted to the Vino da Tavola category, releasing experimental wines produced in a manner conflicting with DOC legislation. Vino da Tavola, or table wine, cannot bear any geographical designation other than “Italy” itself, yet some of Italy’s most iconic wines—in particular the “Super Tuscans” Sassicaia and Tignanello—got their start as simple Vino da Tavola.
"The local, acidic Vespaiolo is exclusively authorized for the production of these passito wines."- in reference to the Torcolato wines of Maculan. But weren't his first vintages in the 70's originally majority Garganega, blended with Vespaiolo and Tocai Fruiliano? Isn't it still blended even though Vespaiolo has taken over as the majority grape? Or does this mean Vespaiolo is not used in any other type of wine except Torcolato?
I thought Brunello was 80, Barolo was 81, and Vino Nobile was 82 so they could all debut as DOCG the same year based on their aging requirements. Is that off?
The DOCGs for Brunello and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano were approved in 1980.
I'm finding conflicting information regarding when the first DOCGs were designated. This page says 1980 for Brunello and Vino Nobile, with Chianti and Chianti Classico following in 1984. At the Advanced earlier this year, Master DePasquale said that no DOCGs were awarded until 1984, although the legislation was originally introduced in 1980. Can anyone please clarify this?