If you are a wine enthusiast, you may have come across various acronyms on wine labels. These acronyms often indicate specific wine categories and classifications, providing valuable information about the wine’s origin, quality, and production processes. One such acronym is IGT. In this article, we will explore what IGT stands for in the context of wines and what it means for wine lovers.
IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, which translates to “Typical Geographical Indication” in English. It is an Italian wine classification system that was introduced in 1992. IGT is one of the four main wine classifications recognized by the Italian wine laws, alongside DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), and Vino da Tavola (Table Wine).
The IGT category was created to offer winemakers more flexibility in terms of grape varieties used and winemaking techniques employed, while still ensuring a certain level of quality and geographical identity. It allows winemakers to deviate from the strict regulations imposed by DOC and DOCG classifications, which can sometimes limit creativity and experimentation.
The main factors that determine whether a wine can be classified as IGT are the geographical origin and the grape varieties used. To qualify for IGT status, a wine must be produced within a specific geographical area, which can be an entire region, a specific province, or even a smaller subzone.
While IGT wines may not have the same prestige or strict regulations as wines classified under DOCG or DOC, they offer winemakers the opportunity to showcase their unique terroir and winemaking style. This flexibility also allows winemakers to be more innovative and experimental, leading to the creation of exciting and unconventional wines.
IGT wines can vary widely in terms of style and quality, as there are no strict guidelines regarding aging, grape composition, or winemaking techniques. This variation can make exploring IGT wines a fascinating journey, as it allows wine enthusiasts to discover new and unexpected flavors and aromas.
When choosing an IGT wine, it is essential to look beyond the label and delve into the specific characteristics of the wine and its producer. While some IGT wines may be relatively simple and everyday-drinking wines, others can be truly exceptional, rivaling the quality of DOCG or DOC wines.
Some well-known IGT wine regions in Italy include Tuscany, Sicily, and Veneto. Tuscany, for example, is famous for its IGT wines such as Super Tuscans, which are known for their blend of traditional and international grape varieties like Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In summary, the acronym IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, indicating wines that are classified under the Italian wine laws as “Typical Geographical Indication.” These wines offer winemakers more flexibility in terms of grape varieties used and winemaking techniques employed, allowing for creative and innovative expressions of a region’s terroir. While IGT wines may not have the same prestige as DOCG or DOC wines, they can still deliver exceptional quality and unique characteristics worth exploring for wine enthusiasts.