What does "classico" signify in Italian winemaking?

In Italian winemaking, the term "classico" signifies wines that are produced from the original or historic areas of designated wine regions. This term is often used to denote a higher quality standard, as the classico zones typically represent the traditional areas where grapes have been grown for a long time and where the terroir is well-suited for particular grape varieties. These regions often have specific characteristics that are integral to the style and quality of the wine, reflecting the unique environmental factors and historical winemaking practices of these areas.

The use of "classico" differentiates these wines from those produced in newer or expanded geographic areas within the same designation. This distinction is important for consumers and wine professionals, as it often suggests that the wine adheres to stricter quality controls and represents the typicity expected from the region.