<a href="https://www.viacarota.com/">Via Carota</a>&nbsp;is a trattoria located at 51 Grove Street in the West Village. Via Carota is all about honoring its Italian roots and this is clearly represented in the ambience, the food, the decor, and, of course, the wine. If you are dining at Via Carota, listen to the CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/via-carota/episodes/20">podcast on the wine list </a>to pick up a few suggestions from a certified sommelier.

In an earlier article, we identified the Italian wine regions, but in this article, we&rsquo;re going to focus on Italian wine labels to help you understand more about the bottle you are ordering.

A few key terms you should understand about Italian wine labels&nbsp;are the official designations: DOCG, DOC, and IGT. Just like the French counterpart, appellations, the designations identify the rules of wine cultivation and production that are in place for the locations that receive the designations.

So, let&rsquo;s take a look at what they mean and how that affects the wine you buy.

DOCG is the abbreviation for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita ((Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin). This is the top classification and the most strict. It governs all aspects of production, including which varieties can be grown, where they can be grown, and how the wines are aged. Quite simply, the stricter the rules the higher the quality of wine. There are only 74 DOCGs in Italy, with the majority of them located in &nbsp;Piedmont, Veneto, and Tuscany. This is why these regions are considered to be the best wine-producing regions.

DOC is the abbreviation for Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Denomination of Controlled Region) The rules of this designation govern production and style, the less stringent rules allow more wine producers to jump achieve certification. Currently, there are 334 DOCs in Italy.

And finally, the least regulated classification is IGT, an abbreviation for Indicazione Geografica Tipica (Typical Geographical Indication) this was first introduced in 1992, &nbsp;and is basically a classification that only refers to location but allows wine producers to use grapes and production styles that are not allowed under DOC and DOCG regulations. Despite the ease of production regulations, currently, there are only 118 IGTs in Italy. Most wine producers want to focus on quality and earn recognition for producing quality wine.

In addition to the official classifications, there are a few other terms you should become familiar with:

Classico: This refers to a zone within a region that is considered the original area of production.

Azienda Agricola: This indicates the farm or estate that produces the grapes and produces wine.

Annata or Vendemmia: This refers to a specific harvest or vintage and is hugely informative if you understand the particular &lsquo;good&rsquo; or &lsquo;bad&rsquo; years in grape cultivation, most specifically, the influence of the weather.

Produttore: Is the producer - a producer could be anyone who makes the wine. So, it&rsquo;s generally best to choose a producer that is also the estate and vineyard.

Tenuta: Refers to the Estate

Vigneto: Quite simple, the vineyard

So, now that you can read the label, all that remains is to taste the wine and, the most difficult part, remember which wines you love, because in this industry, regardless of locations, producers, and grape, the most important point is to drink the wine you love.

Cheers!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine lists picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience, makes it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, and provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences. Connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Via Carota is a trattoria located at 51 Grove Street in the West Village. Via Carota is all about honoring its Italian roots and this is clearly represented in the ambience, the food, the decor, and, of course, the wine. If you are dining at Via Carota, listen to the CorkRules’ podcast on the wine list to pick up a few suggestions from a certified sommelier.

Italian Wine Labels Explained at Via Carota

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Michaela Quinlan

Arethusa

Arethusa:

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Arethusa located in Bantam, CT. Arethusa redefines farm-to-table, as they strictly use Arethusa dairy products for their ever-changing menu.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Another spectacular, award-winning wine list circling the globe with outstanding producers. We have several standouts to share with you today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with a quality and value wine, the 2018 Alta Vista Estate Torront&eacute;s from Argentina. This medium-bodied white wine made from the torrontes grape features grapefruit, tropical fruit, grapefruit, and peach with a mineral finish. This wine is a wonderful aperitif, or with soft cheeses and spicy dishes.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another favorite to consider is the 2020 Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Ken Wright has been producing Pinot Noir for over 40 years that features cranberries, cherries, raspberries, with notes of earth, spice, and vanilla on the finish. It is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that would truly stand up to and complement the proteins on the menu.

RT: So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

&nbsp;MQ: A must-try is the 2019 Matthieu Barrett, Crozes-Hermitage, &quot;Et La Banniere&quot; Syrah from the Northern Rhone Valley. I love the herbal notes in the medium to full-bodied red that also features aromas of lavender, with notes of blueberries, blackberries, black pepper, and earth. Pair this Syrah with savory dishes and sauces, along with grilled items, and olives.

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: A bottle to consider for dinner would be the 2017 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay from Monterey County in California. Calling the oaked Chardonnay fans, this wine showcases ripe green apple, mango, and pear, along with bright acidy and a creamy, vanilla finish. Pair this wine with rich cream sauces and dense fish such as tuna and swordfish.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: You will always find the winning combination of quality and value in the Cortese grape. One to consider would be the 2019 Conti Speroni Cortese de Gavi from the Piedmont region of Italy. This light, dry, white wine boast bright acidity, lemon zest, citrus, and grapefruit, with a mineral finish. A perfect companion to shellfish and oysters.

RT: That sounds refreshing. Did you see any other value wines?

MQ: Absolutely. The 2015 Bodegas y Vinedos Ponce Bobal from Manchuela Spain. The Bobal grape is grown in Southeast Spain and produces bold red wine featuring aromas and flavors of plum, blackberries, and raspberries, with notes of vanilla and coffee on the finish. The Bobal pairs well with all proteins, and richly sauced pastas.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Another modern classic is the 2017 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, CA. With tremendous Bordeaux influence, this Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and full-bodied with round tannins, that also feature ripe blackberries, cassis, smoke, and fig with notes of leather and tobacco on the finish. Truly a modern classic worthy of participating in any celebration.

&nbsp;RT: Michaela thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Arethusa&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for Joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@CorkRules.com">Info@CorkRules.com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

&nbsp;

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Sycamore Lane is a popular wine brand that offers a range of varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and others. The wines are known for their consistent quality and affordability.

Eclectic New American fare served in a warm, contemporary setup with a full bar & weekly live music.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Marx Fusion Bistro

Quilt

Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Napa Valley, USA

Viña Cobos

Felino Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Mendoza, Argentina

Treana

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Il Fauno di Arcanum

Tenuta di Arceno, IGT NV

Tuscany, Italy

Trefethen

Double T Red NV

Blend

California, USA

Begali Lorenzo

La Cengia Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore NV

Blend

Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy

Monchiero Carbone Barbera d'Alba Pelisa, Italy, Piedmont, Alba NV

Barbera

Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Maison Nicolas Potel Macon-Villages NV

Burgundy, France

Montecillo

Rioja Gran Reserva NV

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

Michael David Winery

Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Merry Edwards Winery Sauvignon Blanc NV

Russian River Valley, USA

Château Boutisse

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Devillard

Le Renard Pinot Noir Bourgogne NV

Pinot Noir

Bourgogne, France

Château Mont-Redon

Vignoble Fabre Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge NV

Blend

Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France

Viña Cobos

Bramare Malbec Uco Valley NV

Malbec

Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina