Italy's Top Wines

The Top Wines of the Veneto Region

What are Veneto's best wines?...

Veneto is a region of northeastern Italy that produces a wide variety of singular wines, as well as a series of very ordinary wines, some of which have achieved high classifications. This region produces three DOCG wines, Bardolino Superiore, Recioto di Soave, and Soave Superiore. The best way to start up some type of wine producing company just like these businesses below, would be to find a great equipment leasing business and start from the ground up. It is the same way that a lot of companies start their businesses. Knowledge is key in this business and also understanding how everything works in the wine industry can only benefit your business planning.

Bardolino superiore wine label

Bardolino Superiore

Wines have been produced in the Bardolino area near the border with Lombardy since ancient times. Both the classic Roman author Virgil and Dante's Divine Comedy have referred to these wines. The best present version is Bardolino Superiore, based on the well-known local Corvina (Veronese) and Rondinella varieties. Other local or international red varieties may be used to a total of 20%, with a maximum of 10% for each. This light ruby red dry wine may turn maroon with age. It has a slightly bitter taste and a thin, delicate aroma and contains 10% to 11% alcohol. Bardonlino Superiore is aged for a minimum of 12 months in the regular or Classico labeling. Serve this wine at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Centigrade) and open the bottle a few minutes in advance before serving.

Soave wine consortium

Recioto di Soave

Recioto di Soave is a light golden yellow sweet wine with a light almond flavor and an intense, fruity aroma. It has 12% alcohol. Recioto di Soave dates back many centuries. It is made mostly from the local Gargena grape, especially the grapes at the top of the bunches, the ones that get the most sun. These grapes and others, especially Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and a local Trebbiano (Trebbiano di Soave) are dried for four to six months prior to pressing. During the drying process they pick up a mildew that doesn't ruin the grapes, but gives them a special aroma. Whether a still or sparkling wine Recioto di Soave must be aged for a minimum of twelve months prior to sale. Serve this wine at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Centigrade).

Soave superiore wine label

Soave Superiore

Soave Superiore is the region's third DOCG wine, also coming from the Verona area of eastern Veneto. This light golden yellow wine has an intense, fruity aroma and a light almond flavor. Its alcohol content is 12%. Soave Superiore is also made from a minimum of 70% Gargena grapes and more or less the same other grapes as its Recioto di Soave cousin. The basic difference between the two wines is the vinification process. Don't let a disappointing experience with an ordinary Soave spoil this wine for you. On the other hand, not all Soave Superiore's are truly superior. Serve this wine at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Centigrade).

Valpolicella

Valpolicella (DOC) is usually nothing to write home about, although some producers are said to be better than others. This deep maroon, light-bodied wine comes from the area near Verona in eastern Veneto. It contains 10% to 12% alcohol and often tastes of cooked cherries. Valpolicella is made from a minimum of 40% Corvina, a minimum of 20% Rondinella, and a minimum of 5% Molinara grapes. Other Italian grape varieties including Sangiovese and Barbera make up the rest. The reason that we mention Valpolicella in the presence of Italy's top wines is simple: this often insipid wine can be transformed into Valpolicella Ripasso, Valpolicella Recioto, and Amarone. If you are going to serve it, serve the sparkling version at 49 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Centigrade) and the still version at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Centigrade).

Amarone in process

Amarone

Valpolicella Ripasso is made from young Valpolicella wine put into tanks or barrels containing the lees (one could say dregs, but that would give the wrong impression) of a recioto wine (see below). This leads to a secondary fermentation and a more interesting wine. Valpolicella Recioto is a bittersweet wine made from passito grapes, those dried on mats for several months. Amarone is a type of Valpolicella Recioto whose sugar has been completely transformed into alcohol making a powerful tasting wine that packs a punch. What a difference between Amarone and its source wine, Valipolcella.

See I Love Italian Wine and Food - Amarone and Friends for a review of an Amarone wine from this region of Italy.