Special Wines of the Veneto: A Guide

The Veneto wine region is the most varied in terms of wine styles in all of Italy. It stretches across large Alpine and pre-Alpine mountainous areas and a wide central plain to the shores of Lake Garda to the west.

Although Veneto is a smaller region compared to others of great importance in Italy, it is the leading wine producer in the country in terms of quantity. It encompasses a vineyard area of over 75,000 hectares, divided 60/40 between plains and hills, with a limited percentage of mountain viticulture. In a very multifaceted landscape, its main denominations are spread across three major areas: the shores of Lake Garda, the area surrounding Verona, and the regions near Venice and Treviso.

Veneto: The Valley of Many Wineries

The Alps cover a third of Veneto, and their slopes extend to the shores of Lake Garda. It's Italy's most varied wine region, producing the Italian denominations of Soave,Valpolicella, and Bardolino. Just a few kilometers from Verona, Shakespeare brought his legendary lovers to life and grapes dry in the sun to make the sweetest of red wines.

The Mediterranean climate, alongside the proximity of Lake Garda and the Adriatic Sea, plus the cold winds from the Alps, have allowed the cultivation of the vine and the wine produced from its fruits to survive dozens of generations. Grape varieties like Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara form the basis of the legendary Amarone wines.

The Traditional Appassimento Process

One of Veneto’s most famous winemaking techniques is appassimento, a process of drying grapes to concentrate their flavors. This method enhances sugar levels and contributes to the rich, complex taste of wines like Recioto and Amarone. Traditionally, grape clusters are laid on straw mats or hung in well-ventilated rooms to slowly dehydrate over weeks or months. The process, which can last between 60 and 200 days, produces wines with deeper aromas, a fuller body, and an intense character.

Corvina: The Heart of Veneto’s Red Wines

The essence of the region's wines is Corvina, medium-bodied and possessing a high natural acidity. When that red wine grape reaches maturity, it produces higher amounts of sugar and more alcohol during fermentation.

Corvina contains a low quantity of anthocyanins (polyphenols responsible for the color of red wines), so its color is less intense and its notes less tannic. To balance it, blends are made with other grapes, such as Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, and more recently, the Oseleta, the indigenous Veronese variety that many winemakers are rescuing to honor local viticulture.

Recioto and Amarone: The Legendary Wines

When contemplating that red wine bottle Amarone, the star wine, it's necessary to mention Recioto, the sweet wine from whose production Amarone originates and which has been the emblem of Veronese winemaking for centuries.

Recioto is made mostly from Corvina grapes that undergo a dehydration process or appassimento, enhancing their qualities. Although there are modern methods for this process, some producers still use the traditional one that involves drying the grape clusters on straw mats on the roofs of houses or wineries in the region; some people hang the clusters from hooks on the ceiling to achieve complete ventilation and dehydration.

The appassimento can take between 60 and 200 days; once completed, the fermentation process begins. The result: a sweet wine, with aromas of dried fruits and fresh red berries, intense ruby tones to the eye, and a perfect contrast between sweetness and acidity.

In the early 20th century, some winemakers allowed part of the most destined for Recioto production to complete the fermentation process, thus allowing all the sugar to transform into alcohol, resulting in a more alcoholic, dry, and bitter wine: hence Amarone (“extra bitter”). They refined it with long aging periods in wood and bottle, where it acquires perfect structure and elegance, ideal for aging. Many of the finest Amarone wines are released to the market up to five years after the harvest. The high production and aging costs make it quite an exclusive wine, but luckily you will find it when you buy wine online.

Soave: Tasting the Denomination of Origin

Known for its classic white wine bottles, the walled town of Soave has an irresistible medieval charm, making it a must-see in the Veneto region. The Scaligero Castle, one of the main attractions in the region, was built in the Middle Ages on the old site of an ancient Roman fortress. The walls around the historic center reach a height of 12 meters and have 24 towers that offer an old and charming aesthetic.

The vineyards of Soave are located about 250 meters above sea level, on gently sloping hillsides with rich volcanic soil. The main variety is Garganega. It is the most moving expression of this land. The volcanic soils of the hills are rich in basalt and clay, providing the grape with minerality and floral aroma.

Classic Soave is a dry and delicious wine, featuring a bright light yellow color, pleasant acidity, and delicate fruity aromas, with notes of toasted almonds.

Veneto’s Other White Wines: Beyond Soave

While Soave is the most well-known white wine from Veneto, the region also produces other exceptional whites. Prosecco, the world-famous sparkling wine, originates from Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, where the Glera grape thrives in the hilly terrain. It is known for its crisp acidity, floral aromas, and refreshing bubbles, making it a favorite for celebrations.

Another notable white is Lugana, produced near Lake Garda. Made from the Turbiana grape, Lugana wines are fresh, mineral-driven, and can develop complex nutty and honeyed notes with aging. These wines further showcase Veneto’s ability to produce diverse and high-quality white wines.

Wine Tourism in Veneto: A Journey Through Vineyards

Veneto is not just a region for wine production; it is also a prime destination for wine tourism. Travelers can visit historic wineries, taste exceptional wines, and explore picturesque vineyards. From the rolling hills of Valpolicella to the sparkling Prosecco road in Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, there are countless opportunities to experience the heart of Italian winemaking.

Conclusion

Veneto stands as one of Italy’s most dynamic wine regions, offering an incredible variety of styles from robust reds to crisp whites and celebrated sparkling wines. With a deep-rooted history, innovative winemaking techniques, and a thriving wine tourism scene, Veneto continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

Whether you are sipping Amarone in a centuries-old cellar or enjoying a glass of Prosecco with a view of the Alps, Veneto provides a memorable wine experience for every enthusiast.