How to Read an Italian Wine Label in 5 Minutes

Confused by Italian wine labels? In this 5-minute guide, we demystify the Italian wine classification pyramid, explaining the difference between DOC, DOCG, and IGP so you can pick the perfect bottle every time.
Ever wondered what those blue and brown stickers on Italian wine bottles actually mean? Or why some expensive wines are just labeled “Table Wine”?
Join us for a “down and dirty” breakdown of Italian Wine Law. We aren’t here to bore you with legal text; we are here to help you understand what is inside the bottle based on what is written on the outside.

🍷 In this video, you will learn:
* The Pyramid: How Italian wine is classified by restriction (not just quality).
* The Stickers: The difference between the blue seal (DOC) and the brown seal (DOCG).
* The Rules: What a “Disciplinare” is and why it matters for wines like Barolo and Chianti.
* The Outliers: Why some “Super Tuscans” or experimental wines are labeled as simple Table Wine (Vino da Tavola).

If you are studying for your WSET Level 2 or Level 3, or just want to navigate the Italian wine aisle with confidence, this guide is for you.

⏳ Timestamps:
00:00 – The mystery of Italian wine labels
00:40 – The basics: Geography & Production Rules
01:05 – What is a “Disciplinare”? (The Rulebook)
01:45 – The Italian Wine Pyramid Explained
02:53 – Level 1: IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta)
03:14 – Level 2 & 3: DOC vs DOCG (Blue vs Brown Stickers)
04:30 – Why “Table Wine” isn’t always cheap (Vino da Tavola)
05:24 – Conclusion

WATCH NEXT:
5-Minute Guide to The Langhe (Barolo & Barbaresco): https://youtu.be/ZMhb31HT23E
BAROLO Wine Guide: The “King of Wines” Explained in 5 Minutes: https://youtu.be/LdXkxOaNbvk
5 minutes wine guide playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHnTZ9m3WPv5A1pJAW0B3_N1Rl0uODxCY

#ItalianWine #WineEducation #WSET #DOCvsDOCG #Sommelier #WineBasics #Barolo #Chianti #WineLover #HourglassOfWine

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🥂 ABOUT HOURGLASS OF WINE
We are Jacqueline (an american expat working in the wine industry) and Andrea (a native italian with a serious passion for wine), two certified sommeliers (AIS – Associazione Italiana Sommelier and WSET Level 2 & Level 3 holders) on a mission to make the world of wine accessible, fun, and completely snob-free.
Whether you are a total beginner overwhelmed by the wine aisle, a WSET student, or a seasoned winelover wanting to expand your wine knowledge, you have found your home. We break down the barriers of wine with a dynamic mix of education, entertainment, and travel.
We are based in Alba (Piedmont, Italy), right in the heart of the iconic Langhe wine region – home to the famous Barolo & Barbaresco wines.