An Italian quality designation for DOC and DOCG wines with stricter production regulations. Compared with the corresponding wine without this designation, the maximum yield per hectare must, as a rule, be at least 10 per cent lower. The natural alcohol content of the grapes and the prescribed total alcohol content of the wine must each be at least 0.5% vol higher. The exact regulations may vary from one DOC/DOCG region to another and may include additional, stricter requirements regarding acidity, extract or ageing time.
There is some overlap with the ‘Riserva’ quality designation. Whilst ‘Superiore’ primarily requires lower yields per hectare and higher alcohol content, ‘Riserva’ primarily denotes a longer ageing period. Both designations may be used together if this is provided for in the relevant regulations.
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