Veneto is the most productive wine region in Italy. As warm days are cooled by breezes from Lake Garda to the west and winds from the Alps to the north, the grapes grown here often turn into fresh and pleasant wines. The region is also influenced by history, thanks to Venice, which has been a major trading port since ancient times.
Pinot Grigio
Everyone knows Pinot Grigio. It is a typical fresh, dry, and slightly aromatic white wine that, in the early 21st century, surpassed Chardonnay as the most popular white grape in the world. Although Pinot Grigio is also produced in Friuli and Alto Adige, Veneto is its spiritual home.
What does Pinot Grigio taste like? Pinot Grigio is a light refreshing wine. The best examples will have expressive fruity aromas of grapefruit, lime, melon, and pear.
Prosecco
Prosecco is the most famous sparkling wine in Italy. Its popularity has surged in the last ten years, especially in the UK, where hundreds of millions of bottles are consumed annually. Made primarily from Glera grapes, it can contain up to 15% of varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay. The best Prosecco comes from villages in the DOCG Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.
If you want something special, look for Prosecco Col Fondo. This expression is made using natural techniques and local grapes different from Glera. Dry and full of minerals, these wines can be aged – unlike regular Prosecco, which should be consumed young.
What does Prosecco taste like? Prosecco is a fresh sparkling wine with light floral notes, a clean taste, and frothy bubbles interspersed with hints of peach, pear, honeysuckle, and melon.
Amarone della Valpolicella
This powerful red wine is made from dried grapes – usually a blend of Corvina and Rondinella. Although Amarone della Valpolicella is made from raisins, this method typically produces a sweet wine, it is dry. It got its name from the bitter (amaro), yet pleasant aftertaste. Traditionally, it is aged in large oak barrels, although some producers prefer to use smaller barrels for this distinctive oak spice. This wine has a serious ability to age well.
What does Amarone della Valpolicella taste like? This rich wine combines aromas of cherry, chocolate, and spices. With age, notes of dried figs and brown sugar begin to develop. It has high acidity, high alcohol content, and a lot of velvety tannins.
Ripasso della Valpolicella
If you like Amarone but can’t justify the price, Ripasso della Valpolicella, sometimes referred to as ‘baby Amarone’, is a more wallet-friendly option. It is made by leaving Valpolicella wine on the unpressed skins that were previously used in the production of Amarone. After that, the wine is usually aged in small barrels to add pleasant notes of vanilla and toast.
What does Ripasso della Valpolicella taste like? Ripasso has many of the same flavors as Amarone, but they are a bit more subdued.
