Breaking the Rules – Exploring Italian IGT Wines

Of all the wine classifications in Italy (DOCG, DOC, IGT and VdT), the IGT classification may be the most misunderstood. Many think IGT wines are merely a third tier of quality, just above the generic Vino da Tavola, or Table Wine. That would be a mistake. 
 
The IGT designation, which translates to Typical Geographical Indication, emerged in the early 1990s after prompting from a group of Tuscan winemakers who grew frustrated with the rigid DOC/G requirements. 
 
Wines labeled DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) are governed by strict rules that restrict regional growing areas, grape varietals, and winemaking styes. Wines that meet further standards (which include limits on yields, requirements for barrel and bottle aging, and testing) qualify for DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) status. 
 
Tuscan winemakers along the Bolgheri coast wanted to produce more Bordeaux style wines, which meant blending Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, grapes that grew particularly well along the coast, with Sangiovese. They were free to make the wines, but DOC/G rules precluded these “international varietals” in favor of the famous and indigenous Sangiovese grape, forcing them to label their wines Vino da Tavola. 
 
The wines soon found favor with foreign consumers and were dubbed Super Tuscans, albeit with a price tag far above most VdT wines. The Toscana IGT designation was created to allow for wines of high quality with strong regional character. The concept quickly spread to other regions across Italy, freeing winemakers to experiment with blending and new methods, like using smaller barrels.

Today, there are 120 IGT regions spread across Italy (although there are none in Piedmont) that have grown famous for their regional wines.