Veneto

Veneto wine – variety and quality from north-eastern Italy

A glimpse into the Veneto wine region

The Veneto wine region, located in north-eastern Italy, is one of the country's best-known and most traditional wine-growing areas. The region stretches from Friuli to the Adriatic Sea and offers an impressive variety of landscapes. Its proximity to the Lombardy border and Emilia Romagna shapes the terroir, as do the cool breezes from the Adriatic coast. In the north of the region, the foothills of the Alps provide protection from harsh weather conditions.

Veneto is home to a large number of producers who cultivate the region's wine tradition with passion and care. The wine world of this area is characterised by a variety of grape varieties and wine styles, ranging from light white wines to powerful red wines.

The wine tradition of Veneto dates back to the Middle Ages. Even then, wine from this region was exported to Venice and other parts of Europe. Today, Veneto wines enjoy an excellent reputation throughout the world.

Climate and soil as the basis for outstanding quality

The mild climate of Veneto, influenced by the breezes of the Adriatic Sea and the protection of the Alps, creates ideal conditions for viticulture. The diverse soils, ranging from limestone and clay to volcanic and sandy substrates, shape the character of the wines.

It is precisely this diversity of soils that allows a wide range of grape varieties to be cultivated. These include the native varieties Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara, as well as international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The limestone-rich soils, combined with the climatic influences, ensure that the wines from Veneto have a pleasant acidity and freshness. This has a positive effect on the taste and ageing potential.

Wine regions in Veneto

Veneto is one of Italy's most famous wine regions and offers an impressive variety of wine regions known for their high-quality wines. With a vineyard area of around 94,000 hectares, Veneto produces a wide range of wines, from sparkling Prosecco to powerful Amarone and Valpolicella. The region's unique soils and favourable climate give the wines their characteristic aromas and flavours. Particularly noteworthy are the provinces of Verona, Vicenza and Treviso, which are known for their outstanding wines such as Soave, Valpolicella and Amarone. Each of these regions produces its own specialities and styles, which underline the diversity and quality of Veneto wines.

Famous wines from Veneto

The Veneto wine region is best known for a few famous wines that are appreciated far beyond Italy's borders. One of Italy's best-known sparkling wines, Prosecco, comes from Veneto. The Glera grape variety forms the basis for this fresh and lively sparkling wine. Veneto is also known for its high-quality red wines such as Amarone, Valpolicella and Bardolino.

Another important representative is Amarone della Valpolicella. This red wine is made from dried grapes, which gives it exceptional concentration and power. The typical cuvée for Amarone includes Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara. Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet red wine from the same region, is also one of the top wines and impresses with its complexity.

Valpolicella Ripasso, also from the Valpolicella region, is produced using a special process in which the young wine is fermented on the pomace of Amarone. The result is a full-bodied wine with depth and structure.

Veneto also impresses with white wines such as Soave, which is made from the Garganega grape. These wines captivate with their freshness, fine acidity and elegant fruit aromas. Trebbiano di Soave also plays an important role here, contributing to the diversity and complexity of the wines.

Masi Agricola – A pioneer in the region

Masi Agricola is a winery in Veneto known for its high-quality wines and innovative production methods. Founded by the Boscaini family, Masi Agricola has established itself as a pioneer in the region over decades. The winery produces a wide range of wines, from sparkling Prosecco to powerful Amarone and Valpolicella. Particularly noteworthy is the combination of traditional methods, such as the use of wooden barrels, and the careful selection of grapes. Masi Agricola is an important part of the wine tradition in Veneto and offers an impressive selection of wines that cater to every taste.

Cabernet Sauvignon in Veneto – A special touch

Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety grown in Veneto that gives the region's wines a special touch. Known for its strong tannins and black fruit aromas, Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and complexity to the wines. In Veneto, it is often blended with native grape varieties such as Corvina Veronese and Rondinella to create unique cuvées. These combinations enrich the region's wine palette and offer wines that are appreciated for both their depth and versatility. Cabernet Sauvignon is therefore an important part of Veneto's wine diversity, offering wines that cater to every taste.

Vineyards and producers

The vineyards in Veneto range from the rolling hills of Valpolicella to the Valdobbiadene area and the plains near the Adriatic coast. The coexistence of small, family-run wineries and large producers ensures an exciting mix of tradition and modern winemaking. Particularly noteworthy is the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, which is known for its high-quality Prosecco wines.

Well-known producers include Masi Agricola, a name that is inextricably linked with Amarone della Valpolicella. Alongside the big names, there are numerous smaller wineries that produce special wines with great dedication. Another example is Pieropan, a leading wine producer in the Soave region, known for its first-class wines.

The careful selection of grape varieties and the conscious work in the vineyard and cellar contribute significantly to the consistently high quality of Veneto wines. Many wineries focus on sustainable management and natural cultivation methods. Their range includes a unique collection of wines, including sparkling Prosecco, full-bodied Amarone and fresh Valpolicella wines.

Wine specialities in Veneto

Veneto is known for its wine specialities, which include an impressive variety of unique wines. Among the best-known wine specialities are the sparkling Prosecco, the full-bodied Amarone and the fruity Valpolicella. Prosecco, a popular sparkling wine, is often enjoyed as an aperitif and impresses with its freshness and liveliness. Amarone, a powerful red wine, is known for its complexity and aromas of dark fruits and is an excellent accompaniment to strong meat dishes. Valpolicella, a lighter red wine, is appreciated for its freshness and fruitiness and is an ideal accompaniment to Italian dishes. Veneto thus offers a wide variety of wine specialities that cater to every taste.

Wine tourism in Veneto – an experience for all the senses

Wine tourism in Veneto is an experience for all the senses, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the region's wines and wine-making traditions. Numerous wineries in Veneto open their doors to visitors and offer guided tours and wine tastings. These experiences allow visitors to get to know the different wines and their aromas and flavours. Wine tourism is an important part of the regional economy and offers a variety of opportunities to discover the wine tradition and wines of the region. Whether on a guided tour of the vineyards or a tasting in the wine cellar, wine tourism in Veneto promises unforgettable moments of enjoyment.

Wine and food – a harmonious combination

The diversity of Veneto wines opens up numerous possibilities for enjoyable combinations with food. A Prosecco is excellent as an aperitif, but also harmonises well with light starters such as vitello tonnato or seafood antipasti.

The fresh Soave complements delicately prepared fish dishes or risotto with vegetables. Its elegant acidity adds structure and emphasises the subtle aromas of the food.

Amarone della Valpolicella, with its powerful aromas and high alcohol content, is perfect with braised dishes such as ossobuco or mature hard cheeses. It also shows its strengths with game dishes.

Valpolicella Ripasso, on the other hand, is an ideal accompaniment to pasta with strong sauces, grilled meat or hearty stews. Its structure and aromatic profile support the intense flavours of these dishes.

The regional cuisine of Veneto is characterised by the delicate texture of polenta and the velvety texture of Amarone wine, which provide a rich and full-bodied flavour profile.

The regional wines also pair well with traditional Venetian dishes such as polenta with mushrooms or roast poultry. This creates harmonious moments of enjoyment that underline the connection between wine and cuisine. These products have been specially selected for quality lovers and help you make informed purchasing decisions.

FAQs about Veneto wines

What makes Amarone della Valpolicella so special?

Amarone della Valpolicella is made from air-dried grapes, which gives it a high concentration of aromas and sugar. This method ensures fullness, complexity and long ageing potential. A second pass of the Valpolicella wines through the Amarone mash further intensifies the tannins and aromas, making the wine even more complex and rich.

Which grape varieties are used for Prosecco?

The main grape variety for Prosecco is Glera. Depending on the producer, smaller proportions of other grape varieties may also be used, but Glera remains the basis for the typical Prosecco style.

What does Ripasso mean in Valpolicella Ripasso?

Ripasso refers to the process in which a young Valpolicella wine is fermented a second time over the pomace of Amarone. This gives the wine depth, fullness and aroma.

What role does terroir play in Veneto?

The terroir, with its calcareous, clayey and volcanic soils, and the mild climate influenced by the sea and the Alps are decisive for the quality and character of Veneto wines.

What foods go well with Veneto wines?

Prosecco is ideal for aperitifs and light starters. Soave goes well with fish dishes and risotto. Amarone accompanies strong meat dishes and hard cheeses, while Ripasso is ideal with pasta, grilled meat and stews.