Veneto

Veneto is Italy's top region by volume, with stylistic range from light Valpolicella to dense Amarone della Valpolicella, plus the Soave whites and the Prosecco hills. Amarone is made by drying Corvina-led grapes for several months before fermentation (the appassimento method), yielding a dry but raisined, high-alcohol red. Prosecco's Glera grape and tank-method process define the world's largest sparkling category.

Famous appellations

• Valpolicella
• Amarone
• Soave
• Prosecco

History

Vine cultivation here dates to pre-Roman times. The appassimento technique was probably refined over centuries; the modern dry Amarone emerged in the early 20th century, reportedly from a recioto cask that fermented through to dryness by accident. Prosecco was upgraded from a grape name to a protected place name in 2009, restricting the term to nine northern provinces.