In Italy, DOC wines may in future be packaged in containers other than glass. In the past, it has not been permissible to sell wines of this quality level, for instance, in bag-in-box packaging.

The Italian ministry of agriculture has just published the new ruling in a decree. Apparently, Trentino and Alto Adige had requested the old rule be done away with. Now the road is clear for DOC wines to be packaged in bag-in-box or other packaging, so long as they do not bear additional classifications such as sub-zones of DOC zones, or the words "Riserva" or "Superiore". (WF)