What the letters stand for
- DOC: Denominazione di Origine Controllata, “controlled designation of origin.”
- DOCG: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, “controlled and guaranteed designation of origin.” The extra G means stricter production rules and an extra layer of checks.
Italy uses the same system for all its wines, so you’ll also see DOC and DOCG on Chianti, Barolo and many others.
Prosecco DOC vs DOCG side by side
| Prosecco DOC | Prosecco Superiore DOCG | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Nine provinces in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, mostly flat to gently rolling | Two hill zones in the province of Treviso: Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo |
| Name on the label | Prosecco DOC | Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, or Asolo Prosecco DOCG |
| Maximum grape yield | 18 metric tons per hectare | 13.5 metric tons per hectare |
| Neck strip | Light blue | Gold |
| Since | 2009 | 2009 (Conegliano Valdobbiadene was a DOC from 1969) |
| Share of production | The vast majority | A much smaller amount |
Is DOCG better than DOC?
DOCG has stricter rules and hillside vineyards, and that’s a real difference. It isn’t a promise that you’ll prefer the wine. A careful DOC producer can make a better bottle than a careless DOCG one, and most of the Prosecco Americans drink is DOC.
Which is sweeter?
Neither, by definition. Both come in several sweetness levels, so read the separate word on the label: Brut is dry, Extra Dry is a little sweeter. Prosecco sweetness levels
How to check a bottle
Look at the neck: light blue for DOC, gold for DOCG, each with a unique number. Then read the full name on the label. How to know if a bottle is authentic
Our own wines, Bella Principessa Prosecco DOC and Bella Principessa Prosecco DOC Rosé, are Prosecco DOC, made in Treviso.
Related: What is Prosecco DOC? The full guide · What does DOC mean on Prosecco? · What’s the difference between Brut and Prosecco?
Sources: Prosecco DOC consortium · Conegliano Valdobbiadene consortium
