Valpolicella and beyond: Veneto’s iconic wines

From the bold Amarone to the lively Prosecco, Veneto offers a spectrum of world-class wines shaped by history, terroir, and tradition.

A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine, but in Veneto, every wine tells a story.
– Italian Proverb

Veneto: Italy’s most diverse wine region

Veneto is one of Italy’s most prolific and diverse wine regions, offering a range of wines that reflect the richness of its terroirs and winemaking heritage. From the deep, full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella to the crisp, refreshing bubbles of Prosecco and the elegant minerality of Soave, Veneto’s wines captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

Nestled in northeastern Italy, Veneto benefits from a varied landscape that stretches from the foothills of the Alps to the Adriatic coast. This diversity allows for the cultivation of distinct grape varieties, each thriving in its specific microclimate:

Valpolicella – The heart of Amarone and Recioto, producing bold, complex red wines.
Prosecco Region – Home to Italy’s premier sparkling wine, known for its fresh and fruity style.
Soave – Famous for its crisp, mineral-driven white wines, perfect for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

Whether you seek the richness of dried grape wines, the freshness of sparkling bubbles, or the elegance of white wines, Veneto stands as a benchmark of quality and innovation in the world of wine.

Exploring the diverse wine regions of Veneto

Valpolicella, Prosecco, and Soave – Veneto’s finest terroirs

Veneto’s wine landscape is defined by three key regions, each offering unique expressions of the local terroir. From powerful reds to delicate whites and lively sparkling wines, Veneto showcases the versatility of Italian winemaking.

🍷 Valpolicella – The land of Amarone

Famous for Amarone della Valpolicella, a bold and concentrated red wine made using the appassimento method, where grapes are dried before fermentation to intensify flavors.

Also home to Recioto della Valpolicella, a sweet red wine with a rich history.

Key grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, which bring structure, fruitiness, and aromatic complexity.

Notable producers: Giuseppe Quintarelli, Allegrini, Tommasi.

Best vintages: 1997, 2001, 2015, 2016.

🥂 Prosecco Region – The heart of Italian sparkling wine

The Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG produces the finest Prosecco, made with the Glera grape.

Prosecco is crafted using the Charmat method, which preserves its fresh, fruit-forward character.

Flavors: Green apple, pear, citrus, and floral notes, with a crisp and lively palate.

Notable producers: Nino Franco, Bisol, Valdo.

🌿 Soave – The home of mineral-driven whites

A region renowned for its elegant, crisp white wines, mainly made from the Garganega grape.

Soave wines are light to medium-bodied, with notes of white flowers, almonds, citrus, and minerality.

The best examples come from Soave Classico, where volcanic soils enhance the wine’s structure and complexity.

Notable producers: Pieropan, Inama.

From the intensity of Amarone to the effervescence of Prosecco and the elegance of Soave, Veneto’s sub-regions represent some of Italy’s most beloved wines.

The grapes that define Veneto’s wine identity

Corvina, Glera, and Garganega – The pillars of Veneto wines

Veneto’s diverse climate and landscapes allow for the cultivation of a range of grape varieties, each contributing to the region’s unique wine styles.

🍇 Corvina – The backbone of Valpolicella wines

A late-ripening grape that brings deep color, high acidity, and bright cherry flavors.

Key component of Amarone, where drying the grapes enhances richness and complexity.

Produces wines with hints of red berries, herbs, and spice, often complemented by oak aging.

🥂 Glera – The sparkling soul of Prosecco

The essential grape in Prosecco, known for its fresh acidity and delicate aromas.

Produces wines with flavors of green apple, pear, white peach, and citrus, making them highly refreshing.

Best grown in the steep hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, where the climate enhances its aromatic potential.

🌿 Garganega – The heart of Soave

A versatile white grape known for its minerality, floral notes, and crisp acidity.

Produces wines that range from fresh and zesty to rich and textured, depending on winemaking techniques.

Often blended with Trebbiano di Soave for added balance and complexity.

These three grapes capture the essence of Veneto, providing wines that are bold, lively, and elegant.

Meet the winemakers behind Veneto’s world-class wines

Giuseppe Quintarelli, Nino Franco, Pieropan, and more

Veneto is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious winemakers, known for crafting iconic wines that define the region’s heritage.

🏰 Giuseppe Quintarelli – The master of Amarone

Considered one of Italy’s greatest winemakers, Quintarelli is known for producing rich, age-worthy Amarone wines.

His handcrafted approach and long aging process result in deeply complex wines with extraordinary elegance.

Signature wines: Amarone della Valpolicella, Rosso del Bepi.

🍷 Allegrini – A modern Amarone powerhouse

One of Valpolicella’s leading producers, Allegrini is renowned for balancing tradition with innovation.

Their Amarone and Ripasso wines are among the most sought-after in Veneto.

Signature wines: Amarone Classico, Palazzo della Torre.

🥂 Nino Franco – Pioneering excellence in Prosecco

One of the oldest and most respected Prosecco producers, founded in 1919.

Focuses on high-quality Prosecco from the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene region, emphasizing terroir-driven wines.

Signature wines: Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG, Grave di Stecca.

🌿 Pieropan – A benchmark for Soave wines

One of Soave’s most iconic producers, known for elevating Garganega-based wines to world-class status.

Their wines express the volcanic soils of Soave Classico, offering freshness and mineral depth.

Signature wines: Soave Classico, La Rocca.

🍷 Tommasi – A family legacy in Veneto

A historic winery producing some of the best Valpolicella wines, from Amarone to Ripasso.

Their single-vineyard approach enhances complexity and expression.

Signature wines: Amarone della Valpolicella, Ripasso Valpolicella.

These producers have shaped Veneto’s global reputation, making the region a leader in both fine red and sparkling wines.

Exceptional years for Veneto’s Amarone, Prosecco, and Soave

Some vintages in Veneto stand out as exceptional, producing wines with remarkable depth, balance, and aging potential.

📅 Amarone della Valpolicella – The best vintages for power and complexity

1997 – A legendary vintage, known for rich, structured, and long-lived Amarone wines.
2001 – A balanced year producing refined, concentrated wines with strong aging potential.
2015 – A warm vintage that resulted in full-bodied, fruit-driven Amarone with smooth tannins.
2016 – Considered a classic vintage, with wines showing exceptional balance and elegance.

🥂 Prosecco – The best years for freshness and finesse

2015 & 2016 – Both outstanding vintages, producing Prosecco with vibrant acidity, crisp fruit, and floral elegance.
2020 – A great year for Prosecco, with wines showing expressive fruit and a refined texture.

🌿 Soave – Top vintages for crisp, mineral-driven wines

2016 – An ideal vintage, producing Soave wines with great structure and vibrant acidity.
2020 – One of the best recent vintages, with rich yet refreshing Garganega wines.

Whether you are cellaring Amarone, enjoying a fresh glass of Prosecco, or discovering the elegance of Soave, these vintages represent Veneto at its finest.

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Veneto: A region of diverse and world-renowned wines

Veneto is one of Italy’s most versatile wine regions, producing a wide range of styles that cater to every palate. From the intense, full-bodied Amarone to the fresh and lively Prosecco, Veneto’s wines embody the region’s rich history, unique terroir, and expert craftsmanship.

The terroir of Veneto: A foundation for excellence

Veneto’s varied landscape plays a crucial role in defining its wines. The region stretches from the foothills of the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, offering a range of microclimates and soil types that influence grape quality.

Valpolicella – Hillside vineyards with limestone and volcanic soils, ideal for producing rich, structured red wines.
Conegliano-Valdobbiadene – Steep, sun-drenched slopes that enhance the aromatic intensity and crisp acidity of Prosecco.
Soave – Volcanic soils that contribute to the minerality and complexity of Garganega-based white wines.

These diverse terroirs allow Veneto to produce wines that are expressive, balanced, and unique to their origins.

The key grape varieties of Veneto

🍇 Corvina – The soul of Amarone and Valpolicella

A late-ripening grape with bright acidity, rich cherry flavors, and spicy undertones.
Essential in the appassimento method, where grapes are dried to concentrate flavors.
Produces bold, structured wines with great aging potential.

🥂 Glera – The essence of Prosecco

A light and aromatic grape that thrives in Veneto’s cool, hilly terrain.
Gives Prosecco its signature fresh acidity, floral aromas, and crisp fruit flavors.
Best grown in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG region.

🌿 Garganega – The backbone of Soave

Produces wines that are elegant, crisp, and mineral-driven.
Offers flavors of white flowers, citrus, almonds, and a hint of salinity.
Can range from fresh and easy-drinking to complex and age-worthy.

These grapes highlight the range and depth of Veneto’s winemaking traditions.

How Veneto’s wines are made

Veneto winemakers combine ancient techniques with modern innovation, producing wines that are both classic and contemporary.

🍷 Amarone & Valpolicella – The power of the appassimento method

Grapes are harvested and dried for several months, concentrating sugars and intensifying flavors.
The resulting wines are rich, velvety, and complex, with deep flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and spice.

🥂 Prosecco – Crafted for freshness and vibrancy

Made using the Charmat method, where secondary fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks.
This technique preserves the wine’s fruity and floral aromas, creating a lively, effervescent style.

🌿 Soave – Expressing terroir through crisp white wines

Fermented in stainless steel or neutral oak, maintaining the grape’s natural freshness and minerality.
The volcanic soils contribute to a distinct flinty character and long finish.

Veneto’s combination of heritage, innovation, and terroir-driven winemaking ensures that its wines remain among Italy’s most celebrated.

The most iconic wine producers and their best vintages

🏆 Giuseppe Quintarelli – Legendary for handcrafted, long-aged Amarone.
🍷 Allegrini – A modern pioneer in Valpolicella winemaking.
🥂 Nino Franco – A leader in high-end Prosecco production.
🌿 Pieropan – Renowned for refined, expressive Soave wines.

Best vintages:

1997, 2001, 2015, 2016 – Exceptional years for Amarone, producing structured and age-worthy wines.
2015 & 2016 – Excellent vintages for Prosecco, with wines showing bright acidity and expressive fruit.
2020 – A standout year for Soave, delivering crisp, mineral-driven wines.

These wines and vintages showcase the best of Veneto, making them ideal for collectors and casual drinkers alike.

How to store and serve Veneto wines

✔ Storage temperature: 12–16°C for optimal aging.
✔ Horizontal storage: Keeps corks moist, preventing oxidation.
✔ Decanting recommended: Amarone and Valpolicella benefit from aeration to enhance aromas.
✔ Serving temperature:

Amarone & Valpolicella: 16–18°C
Prosecco: 6–8°C
Soave: 8–10°C