Veneto

Veneto is located in northeastern Italy, at the top of the Adriatic Sea. Its capital and largest city is Venice (Venezia), although Verona is nearly as large. Tourists come to Veneto primarily to visit the fabled city of Venice and Romeo and Juliet’s balcony in Verona, but the region has a wealth of other gems as well, including Padua (Padova), Vicenza, the Dolomite Alps, and Lake Garda. In the wine world, Veneto is best known for red Valpolicella (including Amarone), white Soave, and sparkling Prosecco. It has the second most DOCGs (14), along with 29 DOCs and 10 IGPs.

Veneto is the most prolific Italian wine region, its 94,572 ha (233,600 acres) of vineyards producing 10.8 million hl (120 million cases) of wine in 2020, enough to rank fifth or sixth in the world if Veneto were listed separately. More than 80% of Veneto’s production is white wine - the most of any Italian region, thanks mainly to Prosecco and Delle Venezie - with 78% at the DOP level.

The region’s primary grape varieties are Glera, Garganega, Merlot, Corvina, and Pinot Grigio.

The Veneto wine region is one of Italy's most significant and diverse wine-producing areas. It encompasses a range of grape varieties and wine styles. Here is a comprehensive set of technical characteristics for the Veneto wine region: - **Location:** - **Geography:** Located in northeastern Italy, Veneto is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Alps to the north. - **Climate:** - **Climate Type:** Variable, with a range from maritime to continental, depending on the subregion. - **Temperature:** Generally mild, with warmer temperatures in the southern plains and cooler temperatures in the northern hills. - **Soil Types:** - **Variety of Soils:** Veneto has diverse soil types, including alluvial plains, volcanic hills, and limestone hills. - **Soil Characteristics:** The different soils contribute to the complexity of the wines produced in various subregions. - **Topography:** - **Landscape:** Varied topography, including flat plains, rolling hills, and terraced vineyards. - **Grape Varieties:** - **White Grapes:** Garganega (used in Soave wines), Trebbiano, Pinot Grigio, and others. - **Red Grapes:** Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara (used in Valpolicella wines), Glera (used in Prosecco), and others. - **Viticultural and Winemaking Practices:** - **Vineyard Management:** Modern and traditional methods, with some areas practicing organic and biodynamic viticulture. - **Harvest:** Manual harvesting is common for high-quality wines. - **Winemaking Styles:** The region produces a wide range of wines, from light and crisp whites to rich and complex reds. - **Wine Styles:** - **Soave:** White wine made primarily from Garganega grapes, known for its crisp acidity and floral notes. - **Valpolicella:** Red wine, often characterized by red fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and a lively character. - **Amarone della Valpolicella:** A premium red wine made from dried Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with concentrated flavors. - **Prosecco:** Sparkling wine made from Glera grapes, known for its light and refreshing character. - **Regulatory Designations:** - **DOC and DOCG Designations:** Veneto has numerous Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) appellations. - **Wine Aging Potential:** - **Amarone:** High aging potential, with some wines improving for decades. - **Soave:** Best consumed while young, although some high-quality examples can age gracefully. - **Wine and Food Pairing:** - **Prosecco:** Often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with lighter dishes. - **Valpolicella:** Pairs well with a variety of Italian dishes, including pasta and grilled meats. - **Amarone:** Well-suited for rich, flavorful dishes, such as hearty stews and aged cheeses. - **Tourism:** - **Wine Tourism:** The region attracts wine enthusiasts with its picturesque vineyards and historic wineries. It's important to note that the information provided is a general overview, and specific details may vary within subregions of Veneto. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, consulting local wine authorities, wineries, or recent wine publications is recommended.