In our regular blog we often use the terminology Prosecco D.O.C. and Prosecco D.O.C.G. The 2 sets of abbreviations have very different meanings and are extremely important to the production and classification of Prosecco.

D.O.C .stands forDenominazione di Origine Controllata  (controlled designation of origin) and is a Italian quality assurance standard for wine. There are two levels of labels:

• D.O.C. —Denominazione di Origine Controllata (controlled designation of origin)
• D.O.C.G. — Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (controlled designation of origin guaranteed)

Since 1969 until 2008 Prosecco from the Conegliano – Valdobiaddene area was protected as a D.O.C. within Italy, as Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, Prosecco di Conegliano and Prosecco di Valdobbiadene. In 2009, this was upgraded to D.O.C.G. status, which had a resulting effect on the nearby areas and Prosecco production in Italy. The further areas surrounding Conegliano – Valdobbiadene (Friuli Venezia-Giulia region e.g.) are now classified as D.O.C. as well, including many vineyards that previously were classified as I.G.T. (Indicazione geografica tipica /Protected Geographical Indication, that used to bethe minor appellation for Prosecco wine).

Further to this, Prosecco grape itself was renamed as Glera, whilst ‘Prosecco’ has became the name of the Superior Conegliano – Valdobbiadene area. The appellations were instated to improve the quality of branded Superior Prosecco and to protect the purity of the important Prosecco territory outside of Italy.