Veneto

• Total vineyard area:

  90,000 hectares

• Number of producers:

  27,000

• Total wine production per year:

  8.5 million hectolitres

• Number of DOCGs:

  15

• Number of DOCs:

  33

The Venetians love their wine and have for a long time. The region itself was once a mighty political power in the Italian peninsula as a major trade destination. This means it's a region that has been influenced by plenty of foreign culture. Veneto has also been a pioneer in winemaking. In fact, the first oenology school opened here.

The region’s winemaking history is best understood through its practices. The best example is the appassimento method which involves drying grapes after picking to enhance their flavour and colour, prior to fermentation. This method dates back to Roman times, with wineries perfecting the method for many years. This method is commonly used in Valpolicella, most notably in Amarone della Valpolicella.

Venetian viticulture is centuries old. With vineyards scattered all around the region, there is plenty of diversity in Venetian grape growing.

Veneto’s geography is what makes its viticulture unique. The variety of land and soil in the region makes for impressive diversity in its wines. Vines are said to absorb minerals in the soil, affecting the wine in various ways. In particular, the Basaltic lands of the Lessini Mountains, rich in iron and manganese, produce wines rich in flavour. Another fabulous example is in the Soave area; the tufaceo-calcareous soils of volcanic origin enhance the mineral notes of the Garganega.

Veneto’s many lakes are responsible for special microclimates in the region. In addition, the region’s exposure to the Adriatic sea brings in coastal winds, which can often help cool the grapes during hot summers, retaining freshness in the wine.

• Pieropan

  This organic winery boasts 4 generations of winemaking. It is one of the top producers of Soave. Pieropan maintains a happy balance between tradition and modernity in the cellar. Taste the 2 single vineyards Calvarino and La Rocca for a real Soave experience.

• Allegrini

  This is a family run winery that owns over 100 hectares of vineyards on the hills of the Valpolicella DOC. Their Amarone is a symbol of the excellence of this region. It’s also worth trying their mind-blowing Recioto Della Valpolicella.

• Mionetto

  You’ll find this winery nestled among the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene DOCG. It has over 125 years of history and makes one of the most iconic Proseccos out there.

• Garganega

  This native grape makes excellent light-bodied dry wines and is the main grape in Soave.

• Glera

  This grape is best known for its contribution to Prosecco.

• Trebbiano di Soave

  A lesser-known varietal grown almost exclusively in Veneto. It is a main component in Soave.

• Pinot Grigio

  Pinot Grigio, with its blue-grey skins is one of the world’s most popular grapes.

• Riesling Italico

  Grown at high altitudes to preserve Riesling’s freshness.

• Corvina

  This native grape is a main component of the wines of Valpolicella.

• Rondinella

  Another Valpolicella variety, used less than Corvina in the blends.

• Rondinella

  A light-bodied variety also found in Valpolicella. Rarely made on its own.