Veneto Wine Regions

Veneto Wine Regions: Terroirs, Wines, and Notable Estates

Veneto Wine Regions

Veneto, located in northeastern Italy, is one of the country's most important wine regions, producing a vast range of wine styles, from the bold **Amarone** to the sparkling **Prosecco**, and the elegant whites of **Soave**. Explore the sub-regions, terroirs, and estates that make Veneto a hub of Italian wine excellence.

A vineyard in the Veneto wine region

1. Valpolicella

Presentation of the Sub-Region’s Wines: Valpolicella is one of Veneto’s most famous wine regions, renowned for its red wines, including **Amarone della Valpolicella**, **Recioto della Valpolicella**, and **Valpolicella Ripasso**. These wines are known for their richness, complexity, and aging potential.

Terroir, Climate, and Geography: The vineyards are located on the rolling hills north of Verona, with altitudes ranging from 200 to 400 meters. The soils are diverse, including limestone, clay, and volcanic components, which add depth and complexity to the wines. The region benefits from a mild climate influenced by Lake Garda, which moderates temperatures and extends the growing season, enhancing the ripeness and balance of the grapes.

The Winemaking Techniques

Appassimento (Drying Process): Grapes such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara are dried on racks or straw mats in well-ventilated drying rooms (*fruttai*) for 3-4 months. This concentrates sugars and flavors, forming the foundation of Amarone and Recioto.
- Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG: A dry, full-bodied wine with flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice, aged in oak for complexity.
- Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG: A luscious dessert wine with notes of dried cherries, plum, and honey, offering natural sweetness.
Ripasso Technique: Fresh Valpolicella DOC wine undergoes a secondary fermentation on Amarone or Recioto grape skins, creating the medium-bodied Valpolicella Ripasso with enhanced depth and flavor.
Standard Valpolicella DOC: Lighter, fresh wines vinified without the appassimento process, showcasing red berries, cherries, and herbs. These wines are versatile and food-friendly.

Main Wines:

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG: A full-bodied wine made from dried **Corvina**, **Rondinella**, and **Corvinone** grapes, with flavors of dried fruit, spice, and chocolate.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC: A medium-bodied wine using the **Ripasso** technique, featuring notes of cherry, plum, and a hint of spice.
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG: A sweet red wine made from partially dried grapes, offering flavors of raisin, fig, and dark chocolate.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Bertani: Known for traditional **Amarone** with dark fruit, spice, and firm tannins.
Allegrini: Renowned for modern-style **Amarone** with ripe cherry, plum, and silky texture.
Tommasi: Offers balanced **Ripasso** with bright fruit and a smooth finish.
Masi: Produces iconic **Amarone** with intense dried fruit and spice notes.
Zenato: Specializes in rich **Ripasso** and **Recioto** with concentrated flavors.
Speri: Known for elegant **Amarone** with refined fruit and integrated tannins.
Tedeschi: Produces robust **Amarone** with layers of spice and dark fruit.
Giuseppe Quintarelli: Renowned for artisanal **Amarone** with complexity and exceptional aging potential.

2. Soave

Presentation of the Sub-Region’s Wines: Soave is Veneto’s premier white wine region, known for producing elegant and mineral-rich wines from the **Garganega** grape. Soave wines range from fresh and fruity to complex and age-worthy.

Terroir, Climate, and Geography: The vineyards are located on the hills east of Verona, with volcanic and limestone-rich soils that enhance the mineral quality of the wines. The region benefits from a mild, Mediterranean climate with cooling breezes from the nearby Lessini Mountains, which preserve the freshness and aromatic intensity of the grapes.

Main Wines:

Soave Classico DOC: Made from **Garganega**, offering flavors of citrus, almond, and white flowers with crisp acidity.
Recioto di Soave DOCG: A sweet wine made from dried Garganega grapes, featuring honey, dried apricot, and floral notes.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Pieropan: Known for elegant **Soave Classico** with lemon, almond, and a mineral finish.
Gini: Produces structured **Soave** with citrus and floral notes.
Suavia: Offers vibrant **Soave** with fresh acidity and layers of fruit.
Cantina di Soave: Renowned for approachable **Soave** with bright fruit and floral characteristics.
Ca’ Rugate: Specializes in **Recioto di Soave** with honeyed fruit and a long finish.
Inama: Known for modern-style **Soave** with tropical fruit and mineral complexity.
Le Battistelle: Produces **Soave** with precise fruit and a clean, refreshing finish.
Coffele: Offers mineral-rich **Soave** with floral and citrus notes.

3. Prosecco

Presentation of the Sub-Region’s Wines: Prosecco is one of Italy’s most famous sparkling wine regions, known for producing light, fruity wines from the **Glera** grape. The best expressions come from the hilly areas of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Terroir, Climate, and Geography: The vineyards are situated on steep hills in the northeastern part of Veneto, with altitudes between 200 and 400 meters. The soils are a mix of marl, clay, and limestone, which contribute to the wines' freshness and minerality. The climate is temperate, with warm days and cool nights, ideal for preserving the acidity and aromatic intensity of the grapes.

Main Wines:

Prosecco DOC: A light, fruity sparkling wine with flavors of green apple, pear, and white flowers.
Prosecco Superiore DOCG: Made in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene area, offering more complex flavors of citrus, apple, and a creamy mousse.
Cartizze DOCG: A premium Prosecco with flavors of peach, apricot, and floral notes.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Bisol: Known for premium **Prosecco Superiore** with crisp apple and floral notes.
Nino Franco: Renowned for elegant **Prosecco** with bright citrus and a smooth texture.
Valdo: Produces approachable **Prosecco DOC** with fresh fruit and a lively finish.
Col Vetoraz: Specializes in **Cartizze DOCG** with peach and honeyed notes.
Adami: Offers structured **Prosecco Superiore** with tropical fruit and balanced acidity.
Bortolomiol: Known for **Prosecco** with crisp green apple and delicate floral hints.
La Marca: Focuses on **Prosecco DOC** with vibrant fruit and a creamy texture.
Follador: Renowned for producing refined **Prosecco Superiore** with citrus and a silky mousse.

4. Bardolino

Presentation of the Sub-Region’s Wines: Bardolino, located near Lake Garda, is known for its light and fresh red and rosé wines made from **Corvina**, **Rondinella**, and **Molinara** grapes. These wines are often enjoyed young for their vibrant fruit flavors and bright acidity.

Terroir, Climate, and Geography: The vineyards are situated along the eastern shores of Lake Garda, benefiting from a Mediterranean-like microclimate moderated by the lake. The soils are predominantly glacial moraines with gravel and sand, contributing to the wines' freshness and minerality. This climate and soil combination ensures the production of aromatic and balanced wines.

Main Wines:

Bardolino DOC: A light red wine with flavors of cherry, strawberry, and herbs, showcasing bright acidity and soft tannins.
Bardolino Chiaretto DOC: A rosé wine offering notes of red berries, citrus, and a floral finish.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Guerrieri Rizzardi: Known for elegant **Bardolino** with vibrant cherry and a hint of spice.
Le Fraghe: Renowned for fresh **Chiaretto** with strawberry and floral notes.
Cantina Zeni: Offers balanced **Bardolino** with bright red fruit and smooth tannins.
Villa Calicantus: Specializes in organic **Bardolino** with vibrant acidity and subtle herbaceous tones.
Monte Zovo: Produces structured **Bardolino** with ripe fruit and a mineral finish.
Lenotti: Known for approachable **Chiaretto** with fresh fruit and floral characteristics.
Albino Piona: Focuses on traditional **Bardolino** with red berry and herbal flavors.
Cantina di Custoza: Offers light, fruity **Chiaretto** with a clean finish.

5. Custoza

Presentation of the Sub-Region’s Wines: Custoza is best known for its aromatic and fresh white wines made from a blend of local varieties, including **Garganega**, **Trebbiano Toscano**, **Fernanda**, and **Malvasia**. These wines are appreciated for their versatility and vibrant acidity.

Terroir, Climate, and Geography: The vineyards are located near Lake Garda, benefiting from the lake’s moderating influence. The soils are composed of morainic hills with gravel and sand, which enhance drainage and contribute to the wines' crisp and mineral character. The temperate climate and cooling breezes ensure slow ripening, preserving the aromatic complexity of the grapes.

Main Wines:

Custoza DOC: A white wine blend featuring citrus, green apple, white flowers, and a hint of almond, with lively acidity.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Monte del Frà: Produces elegant **Custoza** with citrus and floral notes.
Cavalchina: Known for aromatic **Custoza** with bright fruit and a smooth finish.
Cantina Gorgo: Specializes in vibrant **Custoza** with green apple and mineral flavors.
Albino Piona: Offers balanced **Custoza** with fresh citrus and a hint of almond.
Menegotti: Known for structured **Custoza** with tropical fruit and a clean finish.
Villa Medici: Produces approachable **Custoza** with bright acidity and floral characteristics.
Le Vigne di San Pietro: Focuses on refined **Custoza** with a crisp and mineral profile.
Cantina Sociale di Custoza: Offers traditional **Custoza** with citrus and floral aromas.

6. Colli Euganei

Presentation of the Sub-Region’s Wines: Colli Euganei, located near Padua, is known for its wide variety of wines, including whites from **Moscato** and **Fior d’Arancio**, and reds from **Merlot** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. It is also famous for producing sparkling and dessert wines.

Terroir, Climate, and Geography: The Colli Euganei hills are of volcanic origin, and the soils are rich in basalt and minerals. This unique soil composition adds complexity and structure to the wines. The Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights, is ideal for preserving acidity and developing aromatic intensity in both white and red varieties.

Main Wines:

Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio DOCG: A white wine made from **Moscato Giallo**, offering intense floral and citrus notes with a sweet or semi-sparkling style.
Colli Euganei Rosso DOC: A blend of **Merlot** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**, with flavors of dark berries, plum, and spice.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Vignalta: Known for structured **Colli Euganei Rosso** with dark fruit and earthy notes.
Cà Lustra: Produces elegant **Fior d’Arancio** with citrus and floral aromas.
Conte Emo Capodilista: Offers **Rosso** with layers of spice and ripe fruit.
Il Pianzio: Specializes in refined **Fior d’Arancio** with honey and floral nuances.
Maeli: Known for vibrant sparkling **Fior d’Arancio** with citrus and a creamy mousse.
Cantina Colli Euganei: Offers approachable **Rosso** blends with bright fruit and soft tannins.
Monte Fasolo: Focuses on traditional **Colli Euganei** wines with depth and balance.
Terre Gaie: Produces expressive **Fior d’Arancio** with a rich and aromatic profile.