The IGT is an abbreviation for the Italian classification "Indicazione Geografica Tipica" and without being a linguist in Italian, it is believed that the name must denote something that is typical of a geographical area. And that's exactly what it's about.
In relation to DOC and DOCG, the geographical area of IGT is often significantly larger and may include vineyards from an entire region.
Fewer requirements are laid down for IGT wines. Therefore, the requirements for the grape varieties used, the harvest yield per hectare, the production technology and control are hardly as severe as the superior classifications. In several areas, the classification can actually be compared to the German 'Landwein' and the French 'Vin de Pays'.
The IGT was introduced after a revision of the Vienna Act of 1992 and was given the romantic name, Law No. 164. The law was the attempt of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture to change the strange fact that some of the country's best wines were classified as plain table wines, VDT (Vino Da Tavola). The classic example, and the true reason for the law, is the super red wine Sassicaia from Tuscany.
Initially, after the entry into force of the new law, things were a bit slow, and no wines with the new name were displayed in the stores, but in 1995 things started to move, and now the number of IGT wines is approximately 125.
Keep an eye on IGT, because the results are quite interesting. The classification is a kind of experimental laboratory or incubator for wines that later become DOC.
Did you know?
Italy extends over 10 latitudes – from continental climate to subtropical climate?
The Molise region has historically been so neglected that you can hardly find the origin of its name, beyond that it's believed to have originated from the Middle Ages, where a Normann family, the Moulins, owned large portions of the area as a county.
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