The Veneto: Valpolicella, Soave and more
The Veneto is the driver, sometimes even the workhorse, of Italian wine. It has the largest production of any region in Italy, including the juggernauts of Prosecco and Pinot Grigio. It also has great wines, well worth discovering, in the famous regions of Valpolicella and Soave, producing stunning wines including the world famous red wines of Amarone.
For some reason which I can’t really understand, I have spent very little time visiting the Veneto. The two exceptions are the mega-fair which is Vinitaly, held annually in Verona and the beautiful hills of Prosecco Superiore. But, finally, in July 2017, I finally made my way inland, towards the great lakes, and made a little start on Valpolicella and Soave, regions which on their own can require a lifetime of study to master.
These are my first offerings, from visits to producers that are giants in their own fields. They were all too happy to spend time teaching me the intricate details of these beautiful wine regions.
- Maestri Quintarelli – the truly great passito wines of Giuseppe Quintarelli
- Stefano Inama – Soave and much more
- State of the Amarone nation – tasting the top wines in London
- Drinking Quintarelli’s legendary wine in Verona
However, it addition to the famous areas, there are also fascinating local DOCs too:
- Colli Euganei: Bordeaux blends on volcanic soils
- Vini Venezia
