How to Choose an Italian Wine

“Appellations are reviewed by government experts and their findings are coded on the bottles,” says Ivano Reali, managing director at Gabbiano, a leading vintner in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. “The higher the rating, the more details you see on the label which is valuable information before the purchase.”

• DOCG (Appellation of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin): the highest quality rating with the most stringent codes and wine-production criteria to meet.

• DOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin): the basic quality code approved on the basis of its geographic origin, grape varietal, vineyards and wine making practices.

• IGT (Typical Geographic Indication): an approval rating often assigned to non-traditional wines. With this designation, the varietal, vintage and vineyard can be listed on the label.

• Vino da Tavola (Table Wine): a basic wine category with no region, grape varietal or vintage displayed on the label.

Practical information is essential to create the right atmosphere, but so are the legends that emerge from Italian life. A medieval castle, for example, has been home to Gabbiano wines since 1124. The earliest residents of Castello di Gabbiano planted the vineyards, produced wine and matured it in expansive cellars below. During the Italian Renaissance, documents show that castle owners entertained both Michelangelo and Amerigo Vespucci. Today, the estate covers 252 hilly acres of prime Tuscan land, some of it cultivated for olives and extra virgin olive oil, but most of it for vineyards that produce award-winning sangiovese, the predominant grape in Chianti Classico.

“This year, we're pleased to say that two DOCG appellations from our Chianti line arrive in Canada,” Reali continued. “Already on shelves, look for popularly priced 2007Chianti Classico DOCG and by mid-June, LCBO Vintages will feature our 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG.”

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