What do wine labels say?

For Italian wines, everything starts with the denomination of origin. At the top are DOC wines (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), whose grapes come from clearly defined and delimited areas and production adhering to strict quality standards. In Alto Adige, 86 vineyard sites for DOC wines are officially recognized. They can appear on the label as an additional geographical indication through the so called UGA symbol (Additional Geographical Unit, from Italian: Unità Geografica Aggiuntiva), defining the wine’s origin even more precisely. They represent a particularly precise localization within the growing area. Wines from single vineyards may carry the designation “Vigna”. Next come IGT wines (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), produced in a larger wine-growing area – a typical Alto Adige example is Mitterberg. At the base of the quality pyramid are table wines, for which no indication of origin is possible.

But the label offers far more than its origin. It reveals the grape variety, often the producer’s name — a real trust mark after a memorable tasting that draws you back. The alcohol content and vintage are always included.

Wine does not have a minimum shelf life, but recent years brought QR codes: scan with your phone for ingredients, nutrition facts, and sustainability information.

Behind the seeming simplicity lies a kaleidoscope of required details.