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Vini a Denominazione d'Origine Controllata
Vini a Denominazione d'Origine Controllata
The production norms state that D.O.C. wines must:
Be produced in an officially recognised production zone.
Originate in vineyards registered with the regional C.C.I.A.A.
Respect:
maximum permitted yields of grapes per hectare
maximum permitted yields of grapes into wine
minimum level of total acidity
minimum percentage of alcohol the required period of ageing
Undergo chemical analysis of every shipment or production.
Be tasted and approved by the competent authorities.
In addition to the standard terms required for the Vini da Tavola ad Indicazione Geografica
Tipica (alcohol, volume, etc.), the label must indicate:
The zone of origin.
The term "Denominazione d'Origine Controllata" written in full.
Further optional information which can be provided is the same as for I.G.T. wines.
In addition, the following words can appear on the label:
Classico: a registered term which refers to wines made
in the traditional centre of the production area.
Superiore: a sub-category of wines within certain DOCs
with a higher alcohol content.
Riserva: another sub-category of
wines within certain DOCs with longer specified ageing.
DOC wines may carry the name of a particular vineyard or sub-zone of origin and the
number of bottles produced in a single year. The name of the variety and the vintage is optional in some
cases and compulsory in others.
