Classifications

There are 4 main classifications of wine:

DOCG = Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (controlled & guaranteed origin)

DOCG wines are produced following extremely rigid procedures – their quality is subject to testing by government inspectors. DOCG wines should have been classified DOC for at least 5 years, and should surpass those wines not only in quality, but in their cultural and historical importance.

DOC = Denominazione di Origine Controllata (controlled origin)

Denotes a quality control system which follows strict procedures and certifies that the whole production process takes place within the traditional/approved area of production.

IGT = Indicazione Geografica Tipica (typical geographic indication)

A fairly new classification applied to wines from quality regions that are of a style, or use grapes, that fall outside the DOC or DOCG classifications.

Vino da Tavola = Table Wine

This will be clearly marked on the label. Unusually, this category has in the past included some of Italy’s top wines, as quality-conscious wine makers were excluded from the DOC or DOCG categories because of the grapes or wine-making practices they used  (The Wine Doctor).

Wine-Producing Areas of the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is divided into three recognised zones of grape production: Furore, Ravello and Tramonti

DOC Wines of note from these recognised zones are:

Fior d’Uva (red/white), Furore
Episcopio: Vigna San Lorenzo (red/white), Ravello
Sammarco: Selva delle Monache (red/white), Ravello
Apicella: ‘a Scippata (red), Tramonti

Suggestion:
Serve a table wine (preferably red) in a large jug.
Add quartered ripe peaches, or pears.
Serve the fruit at the end as part of the meal.

Please see Tours page for visits to wineries.