READ THE LABEL
Take each word on the label one by one.
When you select a term from the label, you will see what can be learned from that word and what needs separate confirmation.
ETICHETTA DIDATTICA
Hypothetical label for learning purposes.Role of this term
Appellation name.
Appellations related to the hills between Florence and Siena. Chianti DOCG is a separate appellation, and Classico should not be read as just a different maturation.
To the detailed explanation →Role of this term
Traditional labeling
The Italian indication corresponding to the EU's DOP (PDO). By itself, DOCG does not indicate the permitted grape varieties or aging requirements; it must be read in combination with the appellation name.
To the detailed explanation →Role of this term
Labelling related to production requirements
Conditions such as aging are defined for each appellation. Even if both are Riserva, aging durations may differ between appellations.
To the detailed explanation →Role of this term
Vintage display
The vintage year and the display of maturation period are separate pieces of information. In this material, an imaginary harvest year is used; it does not indicate bottling year or drinking window.
To the detailed explanation →This is a study resource that extracts only the main terms and does not represent an actual product. It is not an example of a label that fulfills all legal requirements.
FIELD NOTE 01
Grape variety name, appellation name, product name
The name printed prominently on the bottle may be a grape variety, an appellation, or simply a brand name. When investigating the significance of a term, first identify which appellation name (DOCG, DOC, IGT, etc.) is indicated with it.
Chianti and Chianti Classico are each independent appellations. If you take only the word 'Classico,' the difference between them is lost.
FIELD NOTE 02
Classico・Riserva・Superiore
Classico is an expression related to a historical area, while Riserva refers to requirements such as aging. However, the specific area and aging period are defined for each appellation.
There are also appellation-specific requirements for Superiore. If you interpret it only as meaning “longer aging,” you may miss other production criteria. Knowing the appellation name is necessary to understand the conditions tied to the same word.
FIELD NOTE 03
MGA/UGA and place names
MGA and UGA are mechanisms that provide more detailed geographical information within an appellation. The terms of use and management differ for geographical designations in Langhe and for UGA in Chianti Classico.
From place names, you can investigate in detail which land the grapes come from. On the other hand, just displaying a place name does not mean that the wine is higher quality than one from another area.
Riserva concerns production conditions, UGA concerns geographic information. Always confirm their meanings in combination with the official appellation name.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Can you directly apply Riserva's aging period to Riservas from other appellations?
Read the explanation ＋
Cannot be applied. Requirements such as maturation periods are set for each appellation. The same labeling does not necessarily mean the same period.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
- European Commission | Official register of geographical indications ↗
- Chianti Classico Consorzio | UGA ↗
- Langhe Protection Consortium｜Barbaresco DOCG ↗