Veneto

Venice's Hidden Treasures

While tourists flock to Venice's canals, wine lovers know the real treasures lie in the surrounding hills. Veneto's red wines tell a fascinating story - one where ancient drying techniques meet modern winemaking, creating some of Italy's most distinctive bottles.

The Valpolicella Magic

North of Verona, where pre-Alpine hills create natural amphitheaters, something special happens. Here, indigenous varieties like Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara combine to create wines that range from light and cheerful to profound and contemplative. The secret? It's all about those cooling breezes from Lake Garda and the ancient art of grape-drying.

A Style for Every Palate

Valpolicella Classico: The Charming Introducer

Think of it as Veneto's answer to Beaujolais - vibrant, cherry-scented, and wonderfully food-friendly. These wines capture the region's lighter side, with that distinctive bitter almond finish that makes you reach for another glass.

Ripasso: The Clever Middle Child

Ah, the "baby Amarone" as some call it. By referencing the dried grape skins from Amarone production, these wines gain remarkable depth. Expect dark cherries, spice, and that silky texture that makes them so dangerously drinkable.

Amarone della Valpolicella: The Crown Jewel

This is where things get serious. Through the ancient appassimento process, grapes slowly dry for months, concentrating flavors and creating something magical. Rich, powerful, yet somehow maintaining elegance - these wines are meditation in a glass.

Recioto: The Sweet Secret

Not every dried grape becomes Amarone. Some create this gorgeous sweet red that's sadly too rare outside Italy. Imagine liquid black forest gateau with none of the heaviness.

The Art of Appassimento

Those drying rooms (fruttai) are where the magic happens. For months, specially selected grape bunches slowly dehydrate, concentrating sugars and developing complex flavors. It's a risky, labor-intensive process that explains why these wines command premium prices.

Understanding the Styles

Young Valpolicella: Fresh cherry fruit, light body, that typical bitter almond finish

Ripasso: Fuller body, darker fruits, spice notes, wonderful versatility

Amarone: Rich, complex, with dried fruit, chocolate, spice - a true meditation wine

Recioto: Sweet but balanced, intense dried fruit, perfect with cheese or chocolate

Choosing Your Moment

Tuesday night pizza? Grab a Valpolicella Classico

Weekend dinner party? Ripasso won't disappoint

Special celebration? Time for Amarone

After-dinner treat? Recioto will amaze your guests

Recent Vintages Worth Seeking

2016: Outstanding balance across all styles

2015: Powerful, especially for Amarone

2019: Excellent for fresh Valpolicella

2017: Challenging year but top producers excelled

Food Pairing Magic

Veneto reds are incredibly food-friendly:

Valpolicella: Pizza, pasta, light meat dishes

Ripasso: Roasted meats, aged cheeses

Amarone: Game, braised beef, meditation

Recioto: Blue cheese, dark chocolate

Value for Money

While Amarone commands premium prices (and deserves them), Valpolicella and Ripasso offer remarkable value. Look for wines from smaller producers in the Classico zone - they often deliver way above their price point.