Here are the three levels of Prosecco in reverse order of Quality: (3rd Place) unclassified sparkling wine (cannot even be called Prosecco on the label); (2nd Place) DOC Prosecco; and (1st Place) DOCG Prosecco.
In order for a wine or Prosecco to be labeled DOCG and thus guaranteed, the winemaker must adhere to strict grape variety requirements, yield parameters and ripeness tolerances during its vinification process. Additionally, the methods in which a winery makes their wines from fermentation to aging is also heavily regulated.
Under the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation in Italy, producers of such high quality Prosecco must adhere to strict regulation. In order to obtain the DOCG status, the winery must follow local wine-making regulations including but not limited to traditional methodology. Each region has specific varieties which have been produced for generations according to tradition. For instance, the Glera grape has been traditionally cultivated in the region of Treviso in order to make Prosecco; therefore Prosecco must come from the Treviso region. However a Prosecco awarded with the DOCG designation can only ever come from a particular valley range in a subset of this region known as the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Area. If any Prosecco is made outside of this specific geographical area then it is not eligible for the prestigious classification.
Why Should You Even Care About This ?
As Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is the highest classification of all Italian wines, it also protects the producer and consumer. In addition to strict cultivation and wine-making regulations, DOCG wines undergo an official tasting process. The aim is to prevent fraudulent wines from being produced outside of their area of invention. Bottom Line: the DOCG designation was created in order to protect the farmers and their families who invented the Prosecco process and who are at risk of replica brands with large marketing dollars misrepresenting their product to you, the consumer. So, unless you prefer to attend to marketing 'razzle dazzle', you should care and make sure your Prosecco is Guaranteed.
We've got you covered with our Val D'Oca DOCG Prosecco (see sparkling wine). Look for the Italian Governmental DOCG seal around the bottle's neck for proof of your Guarantee.
FYI, the precious grapes used for the DOCG Val D'Oca Prosecco are gently picked by hand. You need to try it. You will not be disappointed.