Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin, DOCG)
The DOCG wine designation was created in 1980 to differentiate the top Italian wines, as there was a general feeling that the DOC status was granted too liberally. The regulations for DOCG wines are tighter and more restrictive. For example maximum permitted grape yields are lower. Also each wine must pass an in-depth technical analysis and tasting to receive the official DOCG seal of approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.