Italian wine’s popularity fluctuated with the Roman Empire, though production continued during the Dark Ages, largely by Christian monks. The Renaissance saw its popularity surge again until the 19th century when phylloxera devastated vineyards across northern Europe, including Italy.

Many prestigious vineyards were destroyed, and replacements prioritised quantity over quality. Consequently, early to mid-20th century Italy became known for inexpensive table wine. In the 1960s, officials took action to restore Italy’s winemaking reputation by introducing quality control and labelling laws.
Italy’s first wine classification system launched in 1963, marking the birth of its modern wine landscape. Despite modifications, the system now includes four basic categories, from Vini (generic wines) to Vini DOP (wines with protected designation of origin). The DOP category contains several sub-categories with strict regulations, often indicating status and quality.

This system has helped revitalise Italy’s wine industry, balancing traditional practices with modern standards. Today, Italian wines once again enjoy global recognition for their quality and diversity, reflecting the country’s rich viticultural heritage and commitment to excellence.