Nowadays one of the largest global wine producers - in 2010 Italy exported wines for an amount of almost 3.9 billion euro and more than 2.5 billion bottles - it entices many wine enthusiasts all over the word. Besides offering very high quality standards, thanks to strict laws introduced in the second half of the XX century, Italian wines are also classified and certified, thus guaranteeing a product with the highest quality and authenticity characteristics.

The certifications, that originated a "modern renaissance" of the Italian wine industry and fostered a renewed interest, trust and appreciation for Italian wines and wine makers, refer to protected zones where growers and producers must adhere to strict regulations in order to be certified and using only certain types of grapes. The alcohol content and the period of time necessary for the ageing are subject to these regulations, too.

There are three certifications: DOCG (Registered and Guaranteed Designation of Origin), DOC (Registered Designation of Origin) and IGT (Typical Geographical Indication). The most recent data indicate that there are 386 recognized DOP wines (the European denomination DOP includes both DOC wines that are 330 and DOCG wines that are 56) and 118 IGP wines (the European denomination IGP includes IGT wines).

Although table wines are not included in these categories they are some of Italy's most interesting wines: Italian wines, in fact, express the values of the identity and of the bond with the territory that in a global market are a winning characteristic compared to homologation. Today, Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world with more vineyards than any other country.

With its strict denominating its wines, the quality of its produce ranks at the top amongst all wines in the world. As Italy's premium production continues to expand and improve, Italian winemakers are also increasingly committed to meeting the ever-growing demand for wines of quality and character, at every price level.