Unlike domestic wines where the grape and place of origin are obvious (ie Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon), Italian wines are difficult to understand. One reason is the Italian government has strict rules abbreviated DOC, DOCG and IGT. Similar to America, appellations set production standards for type of grapes used, alcohol and ripeness levels, length of aging, density of vine plantings, geographical boundaries, etc.

MARCHIONNI Rossovigliano Toscana 2017
100% Sangiovese, Tuscany | $20

DID YOU KNOW? This wine is 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, 14% ALC, from estate vineyards and winery nearby Florence, organic farming, etc. This wine checks all the boxes to be classified Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG so why is it labelled IGT?  (see answer at end of post).

DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) was first classification established in 1960’s and today there are over 300 DOC’s.

DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), introduced in 1980, is the higher quality, hence “guaranteed” in the name. The best Italian wines are DOCG’s such as Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, Barbaresco and Amarone di Valpolicella. Today only 74 DOCG’s exist in Italy.

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) established 1992, is classification for wines which do not meet DOC/DOCG rules. Some IGT wines can have high quality like DOCG wines. For example, many super Tuscans such as Antinori’s Tignanello are expensive, highly rated IGT wines.

Cheers, Bob the WineGuy
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ANSWER: Rossovigliano property is located outside the zone of Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG so it is IGT.