Veneto and its wines

The Veneto is one of Italy's most important wine regions and among the most productive in Europe. Thanks to a variety of soils and microclimates, ranging from the Dolomites to the hills of Valpolicella and the plains near the Venetian lagoon, the region offers a wide range of wines fresh, mineral whites, structured, long-lived reds and world-famous sparkling wines.

The Prosecco, with the appellation Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, is the best-known Veneto wine in the world, while the great reds of the Valpolicella, including Amarone and Ripasso, are prized for their structure and complexity. Also the the whites of Soave and Lugana, fresh and mineral, are internationally recognised highlights.

What is the Veneto wine district?

Veneto is home to 14 DOCGs and over 30 DOCs, covering a wide production of whites, reds and sparkling wines. The main appellations include:

• Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG → A powerful, long-lived red wine made from dried grapes.
• Prosecco DOC and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG → Italy's most famous sparkling wine.
• Soave DOC and Soave Superiore DOCG → Fresh, mineral whites from Garganega.
• Lugana DOC → A savoury, structured white from Turbiana, produced between Veneto and Lombardy.
• Bardolino DOC → A light, fruity red, perfect for everyday drinking.
• Valpolicella Ripasso DOC → A full-bodied, spicy red, aged on the pomace of Amarone.

The Great Wine Regions of Veneto

1. Valpolicella and Verona

• Main grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara.
• Style: Full-bodied, spicy reds, from young wines to long-aged ones.
• Famous appellations: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC.

2. Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Montello

• Main grape variety: Glera.
• Style: Sparkling wines made using the Charmat, from brut to extra dry.
• Famous appellations: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Asolo Prosecco DOCG.

3. Soave and Gambellara

• Main grape variety: Garganega.
• Style: Fresh, mineral, long-lived whites.
• Famous appellations: Soave DOC, Soave Superiore DOCG.

4. Lugana and Lake Garda

• Main grape variety: Turbiana.
• Style: Savoury, elegant whites.
• Famous appellations: Lugana DOC, Bardolino DOC.

5. Colli Euganei and Breganze

• Main grape varieties: Tai Rosso, Cabernet Franc, Garganega.
• Style: Spicy reds and aromatic whites.
• Famous appellations: Colli Euganei DOC, Breganze DOC.

Characteristics of Veneto Wines

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with golden highlights in the Lugana and Soave.
• Reds: Deep ruby red in the Valpolicellas and Amarones, lighter in the Bardolinos.
• Sparkling wines: Bright yellow with a fine, persistent perlage.

Aromas

• Fruity: Berries and cherry in the reds; citrus and apple in the whites.
• Floral: White flowers in the Prosecco and Soave.
• Spicy and Mineral: Black pepper and vanilla in Valpolicella Ripasso and Amarone.

Palate

• Fresh and Mineral: In whites such as Soave, Lugana and Prosecco.
• Structured and Spicy: In reds such as Amarone and Ripasso.
• Creamy and Elegant: In the traditional method Prosecco wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Veneto

White Grape Varieties

• Glera: The base of Prosecco, fresh and fruity.
• Garganega: Mineral and savoury, typical of Soave and Gambellara.
• Turbiana (Trebbiano di Lugana): Structured and complex, used in Lugana DOC.

Black Grape Varieties

• Corvina: The leading variety of Valpolicella, it gives structure and fruit.
• Rondinella: Complementary to Corvina, it adds freshness.
• Molinara: Found in blends for extra acidity.
• Raboso: Indigenous to the Veneto, with pronounced tannins and great acidity.

Why Choose a Wine from the Veneto?

A wine from the Veneto is synonymous with quality and tradition, ideal to accompany risotto, aged cheeses, red meat and fish dishes. From the Fresh, lively Prosecco to the the great reds of Valpolicella, through to the the elegant whites of Soave and Lugana, Veneto offers a wide variety of wines for every occasion.