What Does a Wine Label Mean by DOC?

Like France, Italy has attempted to codify their most renowned and historic wine regions, to protect the brand. "Denominazione di Origine Controllata" translates as "Controlled Designation of Origin", and denotes a wine from a specific region, created in a traditional style from specific varietals or blends. There are over 300 recognized regions, and they make up the most recognizable Italian wines:

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Barbera d'Asti
Dolchetto d'Asti
Marsala
Orvieto
Prosecco
Soave
Valpolicella 
Kalterersee
Bolgheri
Langhe

 

This doesn't necessarily speak to quality though, mostly focusing on historic wine producing regions. DOCG or  "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita" or "Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin" is only handed out to a few very specific regions, and is supposed to indicate higher quality traditional wines. A few more recognizable names:

Barolo
Chianti 
Aglianico del Taburno
Soave Superiore
Barbaresco