Veneto
Definition - What does Veneto mean?
Veneto is a viticultural region located in northern Italy and is a substantial producer of a wide range of Italian wines. It is the high production volume and the wide range of varieties it produces that make this region so unique. The climates in Veneto range from Mediterranean-like climate in the center, to a cool, crisp climate on the foothills of the Alps and include warm coastal plains, river and lake valleys in the west. Veneto produces so many wines both red and white, but is most known for Prosecco, Trebbiano, Garganega Bardolino, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio.
WineFrog explains Veneto
This winemaking region is divided into four parts; the northern plains, the eastern mountain foothills, the western lake and river area and the central coastal plains. Veneto makes the most Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wines out of the Tre Venezie trio which collectively contribute the most wines to the DOC classification.
The eastern part of this region is responsible for making the crisp, refreshing sparkling Proseccos and Lison, Montello e Colli Asolani, Lison-Pramaggiore and Colli di Conegliano. Near the lakes and next to the capital is the “Valley of Many Cellars,” or Valpolicella, which produces a wide variety of red wines. Next to it, on the eastern side, is Soave which creates both white wines (Trebbiano and Garganega) and red wines (Molinara and Corvina). Although, Veneto has gained popularity for producing large volumes of wine, only high quality varieties from elevated areas have achieved a DOC rating. Today, more than 25% sold under DOC and Denominazione do Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) titles are produced in Veneto. Currently, Veneto holds 26 DOC,13 DOCG, and 10 Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) appellations.
In eastern Veneto, vineyards still use the Guyot vine training procedures while the western part uses the traditional Pergola vine training system, and the soils range from rocky to alluvial throughout the region. Also, Veneto is home to a top rated Italian wine school, Conegliano and Italy’s most famous wine fair, Vinitaly, that is held in Verona (Veneto's capital) annually each spring.
