We’re almost there—the Pinot Grigio is nearly ready to be harvested, and the 2017 vintage will mark a major change: Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT will become Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC.
As you may know, the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation is a label that indicates the specific (and clearly defined) region of origin of the grapes harvested and used to produce a particular wine. Naturally, this refers to a high-quality product that must comply with production criteria (such as alcohol content, organoleptic characteristics, and aging) established by a Ministerial Decree. Only wines that comply with the guidelines set forth in this administrative act may bear the DOC designation.
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC is a product that embodies new values rooted in the history and tradition of cultivating this grape variety in the Triveneto region, a tradition dating back to the late 1800s.
The new regulations stipulate that Pinot Grigio grapes must be grown exclusively in Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino. The permitted types are: Pinot Grigio, Pinot Grigio Frizzante, and Pinot Grigio Spumante. The Pinot Grigio variety must account for at least 85% of the blend; the remaining 15% may consist of complementary native grape varieties.
Starting with the 2017 harvest, every bottle of Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC must also bear the State Band, which will feature a unique, traceable number along with the name and logo of the appellation. It will be blue in color, as with Prosecco DOC.
The entry into force of the new DOC delle Venezie designation has brought about a further change: the former “delle Venezie IGT (Typical Geographical Indication)” will become “TREVENEZIE IGT.” This change will take effect starting with the 2017 harvest.
