Veneto (wine)

Veneto is a significant wine region in the northeastern corner of Italy, home to a vast array of wine styles and grape varieties. The region is protected from the harsh northern European climate by the Alps, the foothills of which form Veneto's northern extremes. These cooler climes are well-suited to white varieties like Garganega (the main grape for Soave wines), while the warmer Adriatic coastal plains, river valleys, and Garda Lake zone are where the renowned Valpolicella, Amarone and Bardolino reds are produced.

History

The history of Veneto wine dates back to the Roman times, with evidence suggesting that viticulture was widespread in the region even before the Romans. The region's wine history is closely linked to the influence of Venice, the ancient, powerful city-state that served as a significant trading hub in the Mediterranean.

Geography and Climate

Veneto is located in the northeastern part of Italy, bordered by the Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The region's climate varies from continental in the inland areas to Mediterranean along the coast. The diverse geographical features of Veneto contribute to its varied microclimates, which in turn influence the characteristics of the wines produced in the region.

Wine Styles and Varieties

Veneto is home to a wide range of wine styles and grape varieties. The region is perhaps best known for its Prosecco, a sparkling wine made primarily from the Glera grape. Other notable white wines from Veneto include Soave, made from the Garganega grape, and Pinot Grigio.

The region is also renowned for its red wines, particularly those made from the Corvina grape. These include Valpolicella and Amarone, the latter of which is made using a process called appassimento, where the grapes are dried before fermentation to concentrate their flavors.

Wine Production

Veneto is one of the most productive wine regions in Italy, both in terms of volume and quality. The region's wine production is divided into three zones: the western province of Verona, the central hills, and the eastern plains. Each zone has its unique characteristics and produces different styles of wine.

See Also

• Italian wine
• List of Italian DOC wines
• List of Italian DOCG wines