Glossary

UGA

Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive

"Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive" (UGA) is the generic term used in Italian wine legislation for official sub-regions within a DOC or DOCG, the names of which may be listed on the label alongside the designation. The term was enshrined in national wine legislation in 2016 as a standardised framework, creating the possibility to formally name and stylistically differentiate sub-zones of a denomination that have developed historically.

Soave in Veneto took the pioneering step in 2019 with 33 UGAs, around 29 of which are in the historic Classico zone. Chianti Classico followed in 2021 with eleven UGAs for the top-tier "Gran Selezione" category: Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio and Vagliagli. South Tyrol introduced a particularly comprehensive system in 2024 comprising 86 UGAs, subject to strict requirements such as yield reduction and restrictions on grape varieties. In 2025, 12 "Pievi" were introduced in Montepulciano (Vino Nobile). Like MGAs, UGAs are appellation-specific geographical indications; their scope and function are determined by the respective Disciplinare and cannot generally be classified as a fixed hierarchical level in relation to MGAs. Everything you need to know about Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. – SUPERIORE.DE