European wine making countries have been using wine laws to protect wine growing regions for many decades. Yet it was not until the year 2008 that a general appellation system for the EU has been implemented. The already existing names of appellations in different countries were included in this new system.

Essentially, we divide two categories of quality wine and plain wine. Majority of the wine consumed will be sold under quality wine. The category of plain is mostly used for table wines or bulk wines, that are sold on a very large scale.

In this topic we will focus further on the category of quality wine. Quality wine gets divided into two levels:

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
• Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

For both of these levels the wine comes from a known area of origin. The main difference will be that PDO comes from a more specific area, with stricter rules than the PGI. Note that these terms will have different names in different countries, that will be explained per country. Different organizations will check if a certain wine will be eligible for the title of PDO, and will check on the usage of certain grape varieties, number of vines per hectare, method of pruning etc. An example of a PDO is a wine coming from the village Meursault in Burgundy.

The PGI has less of these strict rules and will reflect a larger area, for example wine of Languedoc.

Especially in the PDO there are more and deeper levels of origin going to specific to villages, wineries, and even certain plots within a winery. These deeper levels will be explained per country and per region.

In Italy the PDO is divided into two levels:

• Demoninazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Demoninazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

The reason for this is that there is a high number of DOC-wines in Italy, so certain vineyards and regions found the need to separate them from the DOC as an elite group the DOCG.

The PGI is called the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). There is a lower level as well, referring to the level of table wine, called the Vini Generici, generic wine that is not specified. The level between the Generici and the IGT is the Vini Generici con Annata e Vitigno. This is the generic level with the mention of vintage and grape variety.

All these levels of classifications do not always reflect the quality in Italy. Sometimes the rules can be so strict, that vineyards intentionally choose to get declassified in order to get more freedom. Certain Vini Generici can be of higher quality than a DOC or DOCG with the matching price of course. Think of the Super Tuscans.

DOC and DOCG have strict regulations in terms of the usage of certain varieties and aging periods. DOCG will be selected on flavour and representation of the region and grape variety. After a consistent accomplishment of 5 years as a DOC, the DOCG status can be achieved. Poor results can lead to declassification.

The wine regions of Italy containing both DOC and DOCG wines include:

• Lombardia
• Trentino-Alto Adige
• Valle d’Aosta
• Piemonte
• Fruili-Venezia Giulia
• Veneto
• Toscana
• Umbria
• Liguria
• Lazio
• Campania
• Basilicata
• Calabria
• Emilia-Romagna
• Marche
• Abruzzo
• Molise
• Puglia
• Sardegna
• Sicilia

Certain terms will be added on the label as well:

• Classico: When a wine comes from the most historical part within a region.
• Superiore: A higher level of alcohol than the minimum required for that region.
• Riserva: refers to a longer aging on oak.
• Frizzante/Spumante: term for sparkling wine. Spumante contains more carbon dioxide.
• Recioto: Wine made from dried grapes. The style can go from sweet to dry.

• DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria 
  Red wine made from the red varieties of Frappato and Nero d’Avola,  with Frappato minimum 40% of the total blend. Mostly made in a fruitier, lighter style. The only DOCG is located on the northeastern part of Sicily, just west of Ragusa.
• DOC Sicilia
  The most general DOC, which covers wine made from grapes from the entire island. Different styles are made including white, red, rosé and sparkling. Varieties used are therefore very broad and diverse. For the white varieties we find Grillo, Inzolia, Chardonnay, Catarratt0, Carricante, Grecanico, Fiano, Damachino, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Müller- Thurgau.

  The red varieties are just as diverse: Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Frappato, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Carignano, Alicante. 

  As can be seen, for this broad and general appellation, a range of local and international grape varieties can be used. 

• DOC Alcamo
  Usually with mentioning of the grape variety. This DOC is situated on the northwestern part of the island right in the middle of Palermo and Trapani. All styles are produced here, going from white, red, rosé, sweet and sparkling. A wide range of international and local varieties, with for the white ones: Müller- Thurgau, Chardonnay, Grillo, Inzolia, Grecanico, Sauvignon Blanc and Catarratto

  The red varieties are represented by Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. 

• DOC Contea di Sclafani 
  With mentioning of the grape variety. The DOC is located more central north, below Cefalu and the Madonie mountains. Here white, red, rosé, sweet and sparkling wines are made.  For the white varieties we find the international Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Bianco. The local white grapes are Grillo, Grecanico, Catarratto and Inzolia. 
  The red grapes are locally, and Italian represented by Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, Perricone and Sangiovese.  For the international varieties we look towards Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Nero.
• DOC Riesi
  Located in the middle of the province of Palermo for red, white and sparkling wine. The white grapes are mostly Inzolia and Chardonnay, the red grapes are Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• DOC Santa Margherita di Belice 
  Found within the same region of Riesi, focusing only on white and red wine production. The grape varieties for white are Inzolia, Catarratto and Grecanico. For the reds we find Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.
• DOC Contessa Entellina 
  This appellation is found in the south of the province of Palermo, close to the nature reserve of Orientata di Monte Genuardo. White, red, rosé and sweet wines are made. Usually with mentioning of the grape variety. We find Inzolia, Catarratto, Grecanico, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 
  For the red wines we can find Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Syrah and Nero d’Avola.
• DOC Sambuca di Sicilia
  Just south of the nature reserve and of previous DOC, we find the appellation of Sambuca producing red, white, rosé and sweet wines. Grapes are mentioned on the label with the white grapes of Inzolia, Grecanico, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. 
  For the red ones we find Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Nero d’Avola.
• DOC Della Nivolelli
  This appellation is situated on the very west tip of the Island with a production area reaching from Mazara del Vallo to Marsala. The grape variety is usually mentioned on the label. White, red and sparkling wine is produced. 
  The white varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Inzolia, Chardonnay, Damachino, Grillo, Grecanico, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc.

  For the red ones we find Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nerello Mascalese, Perricone, Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Sangiovese and Syrah. 

• DOC Erice 
  Is located close to the city of Trapani, and of course the town of Erice itself. Production of sparkling wines, sweet wines, white and red. Major varieties for white are Moscato Bianco, Inzolia, Grecanico, Grillo, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.  
  The red grapes are represented by Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Perricone, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

• DOC Menfi 
  Situated in between the cities of Menfi and Mazara del Vallo. The name of the varieties are mentioned on the label. The styles produced are white and red. The varieties are Inzolia, Grecanico, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Müller-Thurgau for the white varieties. For the red varieties we have Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese and Nero d’Avola.
• DOC Monreale 
  Found just south of the city of Palermo and known for its historical monastery. The region is mostly known for its production of white wine, made from the varieties of Inzolia, Catarratto, Grillo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco.
• DOC Scaccia 
  Located on the southwest coast of the island, it will feature its grape varieties on its label and produces white, red and rosé. For the white grapes we have Inzolia, Catarratto, Grecanico and Chardonnay. For the reds we have Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola and Sangiovese.
• DOC Salapruta
  Located more in the southern part of the center of the island. Only white and red wine is produced, focusing on Inzolia, Grillo, Catarratto and Chardonnay for white. For red the focus lies on Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
• DOC Etna
  Surrounding the volcano of the Etna, interesting mineral driven wines are made in white, red and rosé. The main grape varieties are Carricante and Catarratto for white and Nerello Mascallese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mantellato for the red varieties.
• DOC Faro
  In the utter northeastern corner of the island, surrounding the city of Messina. Mostly red is produced here with the grape varieties of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappucio and Nocera.
  
• DOC Mamertino di Milazzo
  This appellation is located right to the west of Faro, with only producing white and red. The varieties are Grillo, Inzolia and Catarratto for the white, Nero d’Avola and Nocera represent the red varieties. The label usually mentions the variety as well.
• DOC Noto
  Produces usually sweet wine made of the Moscato Bianco (Zibibbo).
• DOC Siracusa
  Situated just above Noto, surrounding the city of Siracuse in the southeastern corner of the island. White and sparkling wines are made of the Zibibbo grape, while red wines are made of Nero d’Avola and Syrah.
• DOC Vittoria
  This is the larger appellation surrounding the DOCG. Red wines made of Nero d’Avola and Frappato.
• DOC Eloro
  This appellation is found in the utter southeastern corner of the island, close to the city of Noto. Here only red varieties are grown for the appellation, used for the production of red and rosé wine.  These are the grapes of Frappato, Nero d’Avola and Perricone.
• DOC Malvasia della Lipari 
  This appellation covers almost all the Eolian Islands and is mainly used for the production of sweet wine made of the grape Malvasia.
  
• DOC Moscato di Pantelleria
  The island of Pantellaria is found south in between Sicily and Tunisia. Production of sweet wine made with the Moscato Bianco (Zibibbo) grape. 

• DOCG Aglianico del Vulture Superiore
  Red wine made of 100% Aglianico grapes. Grows on the hills of the volcano Vulture, just north of the city Potenza. The wines are robust, powerful and highly tannic, with a minimum aging period of 3 years (of which a minimum 12 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle) and the riserva ages for 5 years before release (of which a minimum of 24 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle).
• DOC Aglianico del Vulture
  Less strict requirements compared to the DOCG but still made with 100% of Aglianico grapes. The red wine needs to age for a minimum of 10 months, either barrel or bottle. A spumante is made of the same grape variety as well, according to the Methode Traditionelle, with a minimum aging on the lees for 9 months. Made in a brut or extra dry style. 
• DOC Terre dell’Alta Valdagri
  Bordering Campania, we find an appellation focused on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as principal varieties. The grapes are used for the production of red and rosato wines. The rosato allows up to 10% of the grape Malvasia Nera di Basilicata. 
• DOC Matera
  This appellation is found surrounding the historical city of Matera with its cave houses.  It produces all wine styles, from sparkling to dessert wines. For sparkling the grapes Malvasia and Primitivo are used. The sparkling follows the Methode Traditionelle or Metodo Classico. The white wines are made mostly of Malvasia and/or Greco, rosato is made with Primitivo and the red gets divided into 4 types. The ‘Rosso’ refers to a blend of Sangiovese and Primitivo, the ‘Moro’ is made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo and Merlot. The Moro also has a riserva style with a minimum aging of 36 months, including 24 months in barrel. The last red wine type is simply called ‘Primitivo’, made with a minimum of 90% Primitivo grapes. The sweet wines are made according to the passito style and are made of either the white Malvasia or Primitivo 
• DOC Grottino di Roccanova
  This DOC produces white made of the Malvasia. The red and rosato  wines are often a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia Nera and Montepulciano. The red wines age for a minimum of 9 months, with riserva 36 months. White and rosato age for a minimum of 5 months. 
   

• DOC Bivongi 
  This is one of the most southern appellations of the regions, on the bottom of the toe. The appellation produces red, white and rosé wines. The production mainly focuses on fruity wines, with the reds showing more powerful notes in the riserva style. The grape varieties are Greco Bianco, Guaravelle, Montonico and Malvasia for the white. Red and rosato wines are produced from Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Calabrese (Nero d’Avola) and Nocera. 
  
• DOC Cirò 
  This is the largest appellation of the area. The DOC concentrates mainly on the production of red wines coming from the Gaglioppo grape, which is a local variety from Calabria. A rosato is also made from this grape. The white production centers around Greco Bianco (which is slightly different to the Greco used for Greco di Tufo) and Trebbiano Toscano. 
• DOC Greco Di Bianco 
  This is the most southern appellation of Calabria, centered around the town of Bianco. Greco di Bianco is made in white and sweet wines from the white Greco Bianco grape. 
• DOC Lamezia
  Made in white, red and rosato style. Important varieties for white are Greco Bianco, Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia Bianca. For red and rosato we find Gaglioppo, Greco Nero and the Sicilian varieties of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Capuccio. 
• DOC Melissa 
  Only white and red, made of Greco Bianco. Trebbiano Toscane, Malvasia Bianco and Gaglioppo, Greco Nero. 
• DOC Sant’Anna di Isola Capo Rizzuto
  This appellation is close to Melissa, but only allows the production of red and rosato. Gaglioppo is the main variety, often blended with Nocera and Malvasia Nero, along with the white Greco Bianco. 
• DOC Savuto  
  Close to the city of Cosenzo produces the permitted styles of white, rosato and red. The permitted red varieties are Gaglioppo and Aglianico, that both have a max of 45 % of the blend, along with permitted varieties of Greco Nero and Nerello Cappuccio. White principal varieties are  Mantonico, Chardonnay, Greco Bianco and Malvasia Bianca. 
• DOC Scavigna 
  This appellation lies south of Cosenza and is one of the smallest DOCs in the region. For the white wines up to 50% of Traminer Aromatica (Gewurztraminer) can be used, along with Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Welschriesling! For the reds and rosato we find Aglianico and the local varieties of Magliocco and Marcigliana Nera. 
• DOC Terre di Cosenza
  A new, larger appellation that covers the entire province of Cosenza. All wine styles are made here from red and rosato to white and sparkling. Heavy focus lies on the grape variety of Magliocco, which is local to Calabria. It must at least be 60% of the red blend. The grape shows close relation to Gaglioppo, the latter is also allowed in the blend. The rest of the red varieties are Aglianico, Calabrese and Greco Nero. For the whites we find Greco Bianco, Mantonico, but also Malvasia and Chardonnay.