Although not vast in size, Veneto is one of the largest-producing regions of DOC wines in Italy. The variety of wine styles offered by Veneto are a result of the region’s topography. It’s protected by the Alps to the extreme north; here, cool mountain breezes combine with warm summers, creating perfect growing conditions for grape vines. And, as the mountains give way to hills and eventually plains, there is a large variety of soil types that contribute to the region’s vinous diversity.
Valpolicella is one of the best-known Veneto wines (we will look at Amarone another time), made from three main grape varieties – Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara – and it can be either light or more robust, depending on the combination. The best Valpolicella wines come from the hilly area just east of Verona, near the shores of Lake Garda. Bardolino is also made on the shores of Lake Garda and uses the same grape varieties as Valpolicella, but in a lighter style. Less Corvina and more Rondinella makes for a much softer wine similar to Beaujolais Nouveau. Breganze DOC is produced around the town of Vicenza, in both red and white styles. The rosso is most common, and contains at least 50 per cent Merlot. We also have the little-known indigenous Marzemino and Groppello to try this month.