Veneto

Wines of Veneto : A multifaceted Italian region

Located in northeastern Italy, Veneto combines cultural richness with varied landscapes, making it a highly popular tourist destination. From the hills of Valpolicella to the plains of Soave, the region showcases its winemaking expertise with skills that have been passed down for centuries: from the bubbles of Prosecco to the deep reds of Amarone, each bottle tells the story of its terroir and history.

Veneto appeals to lovers of powerful red wines as much as those seeking the freshness and lightness of a fruity white. Between tradition and modernity, the winemakers of Veneto have established their own style, both elegant and accessible, which today makes the region famous throughout the world. At CAVE, we are particularly fond of the Marinella Camerani range from the Corte Sant-Alda estate, a leading figure in biodynamics in Italy.

A thousand-year-old winemaking tradition

Venetian viticulture dates back to Roman times, but it was in the Middle Ages that the great vineyards were structured around abbeys and noble families.

The temperate climate, the well-exposed colli (hills), and the limestone- and basalt-rich soils have made it possible to produce a wide variety of wines.

Iconic areas such as Valpolicella, Soave, Bardolino, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, and the Colli Euganei form the heart of Veneto's wine heritage.

Each appellation, whether DOC or DOCG, has its own grape varieties and styles, from spumante (sparkling) to deep reds classified as Superiore or Classico.

The main wines of Veneto

Amarone della Valpolicella: power and elegance

The absolute symbol of Venetian red wine, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is made from partially dried grapes (a technique known as appassimento) of the Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara varieties.

This process concentrates the sugars and aromas, resulting in a full-bodied, velvety wine with incredible depth. Its notes of candied cherry, cocoa, and sweet spices make it a great wine for aging, perfect with red meats, game, or mature cheeses.

Valpolicella Classico and Ripasso: balance and indulgence

Valpolicella Classico is more supple and fruity, while Ripasso is made by re-fermenting the wine on Amarone pomace, giving it greater richness and structure. These wines offer an ideal balance between fruit, freshness, and complexity, perfect for convivial meals.

Soave: the freshness of whites

When it comes to white wines, the star of the region is undoubtedly Soave DOC. Produced from the Garganega grape variety, sometimes blended with Chardonnay or Trebbiano di Soave, it seduces with its freshness, minerality and aromas of almonds and white flowers.

The best vintages, classified as Soave Classico or Soave Superiore DOCG, come from the volcanic hills near Verona and are distinguished by their length on the palate and their aging potential.

Prosecco: the bubbles of Veneto

Prosecco DOC and its prestigious cousin Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene embody the Italian joie de vivre.

Made from the Glera grape variety, this spumante (sparkling wine) seduces with its aromas of green apple, pear, and white flowers.

Served chilled, it is the perfect accompaniment to an aperitif, antipasto, or even a fruity dessert.

For lovers of finesse, Prosecco brut or extra-dry offers light and persistent bubbles, ideal for festive occasions. CAVE has discovered Col Vetoraz, which produces distinctive bubbles and offers excellent value for money.

Bardolino: the red wine of la dolce vita

Produced on the shores of Lake Garda, Bardolino DOC is a supple and aromatic red wine made from the same grape varieties as Valpolicella.

Fruity, slightly spicy, and easy to drink, it is perfect for accompanying everyday Italian cuisine.

The grape varieties of Veneto

Veneto derives its diversity from its native and international grape varieties:

• Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara for the reds of Valpolicella and Bardolino.

• Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave for the whites.

• Glera for Prosecco.

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay for more modern and international cuvées.

This rich variety allows the region to produce full-bodied red wines as well as delicate white wines and fresh rosés, depending on the terroirs and winemaking methods.

The key wine-growing regions of Veneto

• Valpolicella – The hills east of Verona, home to Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto.

• Soave – The volcanic hills producing Italy's most renowned whites.

• Conegliano-Valdobbiadene – The home of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, the sparkling jewel of the north.

• Bardolino – On the shores of Lake Garda, known for its fruity reds and rosés.

• Colli Euganei – A wine-growing area further south, offering expressive and spicy wines.

• Breganze – Renowned for its fine whites and sweet wines made from Vespaiolo grapes.

Food and wine pairings

Veneto wines pair well with a wide variety of dishes:

• Amarone: perfect with porcini mushroom risotto, game, or rack of lamb.

• Valpolicella Ripasso: pairs well with grilled meats or mature cheeses.

• Soave: ideal with seafood, pasta with vegetables, or saffron risotto.

• Prosecco: excellent as an aperitif or with antipasti.

• Bardolino: pairs beautifully with pizza, Italian salad, or white meat.

Each bottle from Veneto offers a different gastronomic expression, capable of brightening up any table.

Buy Veneto wines online

At cavesa.ch, explore a refined selection of Veneto wines carefully chosen for their quality and typical characteristics. From the great reds of Amarone to the elegant bubbles of Prosecco, each wine embodies Italian expertise.

To continue your journey through the terroirs of Italy, discover the wines of Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, Sardinia, and Trentino.

Each of these regions illustrates another facet of Italy's rich wine heritage.

And to deepen your knowledge, visit the selection of Italian wines, a true showcase of the country's oenological heritage.

The Venetian art of living

Drinking a wine from Veneto is like tasting la dolce vita in its most authentic form.

Between the refinement of Amarone, the freshness of Soave Classico, and the sparkling conviviality of Prosecco, each sip evokes sun-drenched hills, ancient villas, and family traditions.

These accessible and refined wines perfectly embody Italian savoir-faire, where a passion for wine goes hand in hand with pleasure and sharing.