Veneto Region Blog

Located in Northern Italy, Veneto is significantly smaller than the other major wine regions in Italy. (Tuscany, Piedmont, Lombardy, Sicily and Puglia.) However, Veneto still produces more wine than any of these larger regions. It has been known as "the Italian Bordeaux" (Bottlenotes).  The climate in this region is that of a typical Mediteranean climate, with hot summers and generally cool winters. The temperature change is mild, as the region is very close to the Adriatic Sea and therefore has a relatively consistent climate. This climate has been recognized as an excellent environment for grape growing, and many attribute the success of the region to its climate and soil types. The terroir in this region is known to have "silty sandy soils… with influences of clay and calcareous debris" (Bottlenotes).

Historically speaking, the capital of Veneto, Venice, provided an excellent trade site for wines made in the area. It was a profitable exportation location an industry. The region has always stressed the importance and significance of wine making, creating the first Italian "school for vine growing and oenology" in 1885 (WineCountry.It). "The most appreciated wines in the region come from the provinces of Treviso, Verona, Padova, Venice, and Vicenza." (WineCountry.It).

The governing wine body of Italy says that there twenty different wine-making districts in Veneto. "Each district is known for its own unique take on the winemaking process, meaning that literally hundreds, per­haps even thousands of different wines originate in Veneto" (Veneto: Ancient Doorway to the Orient). Twenty-five percent of these wines are regulated under DOCG and DOC labels. These labels regulate Italian wines. DOCG is the "highest classification for Italian wines, introduced in 1963" (Italian Wine Label Information). This label implies "controlled production methods and guaranteed wine quality" (Italian Wine Label Information). This label is extremely competitive to receive and is highly regulated. Many different components of the wine making process are evaluated and the wine is subject to taste tests. DOC is a classification that is just one place behind DOCG. Most Italian wines hold this label, and it is still a very prestigious label to have.

            The Veneto region produces both reds and whites, both blended wines and individual varietals. The most produced wine in this region is the Valpolicella Blend. This is a red wine blend that is made of three kind of grapes; Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. The wines are made up of mostly the Corvina grape, with the others added to add color (Valpolicella Blend Wine). At around 30% of overall wine production in the region, Valpolicella is definitely the majority varietal created.

            The next two largest produced wines in the region are produced at an almost equal rate. Glera and Pinot Grigio together make up for about 40% of the wine produced in the region (Veneto Wine). Glera was formally known as Prosecco, but when the region was given DOCG status, Prosecco was deemed a geographical location and the name of the grape was changed to Glera. This is a white wine that is usually sparkling. It is a very famous area in Veneto and the Prosecco wines are very popular internationally. The color of the wine comes from the green skin on the grapes. This wine is beneficial to the region because it ripens late in the season, while other areas might not be able to still be producing. Pinot Grigio is obviously made from Pinot Gris grape variety. Other wines produced in this region include Garganega, Corvina, Soave Blends and Merlots (Veneto Wine).

         

   Wine was being produced in this region even before the Roman Empire came to the area and ruled. During these ancient times, winemaking was not yet a way of life and major source of financial prosperity, but a hobby (Veneto Wine Region History and Culture).

The Romans came into the area with newly developed technology and a passion for wine. That paired with the settlement and creation of Venice, and the region was set up to become a winery hot spot. Barbarians invaded after the fall of the Roman Empire, but for those who made it through that, saw the region become a cultural and economic center in the region. The ports of Venice made trade all too easy and art and cultures clashed and mixed in this area of Northern Italy. As was stated before, Veneto made history by setting up the first wine making school in the late nineteenth century. Not only that, but this region also hosted the world's "first-ever wine tourism road" (Veneto Wine Region History and Culture).  

Citations

"Glera (Prosecco) Wine Grape Variety Information." Wine-Searcher. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"Italian Wine Label Information." Wine-Searcher. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"Valpolicella Blend Wine." Wine-Searcher. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"Veneto Wine." Wine-Searcher. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"Veneto: Ancient Doorway to the Orient." WineCountry.It. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"The Veneto Wine Region." Bottlenotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"Ultimate Guide to the Veneto Wine Region." TLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.

"Veneto Wine Region History and Culture." TLC. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013.