Venice, with its intricate canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, is also a gateway to some of Italy’s finest wines. The Veneto region, where Venice is located, is one of Italy’s most important wine-producing areas. It is home to a wide variety of wines, from sparkling Proseccos to rich, full-bodied reds.
This article explores some of the top local wines of Venice that have become staples both in the city and around the world.
1. Prosecco
Prosecco, often regarded as Champagne’s more casual Italian cousin, has garnered international fame for its light, crisp, and refreshing character. This faintly grapey, fairly dry wine is produced using the Charmat method, where secondary fermentation takes place in large tanks rather than in individual bottles. The Prosecco production zone is situated between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the province of Treviso, just a short distance north of Venice.
Prosecco is a versatile wine, available in both spumante (fully sparkling) and frizzante (semi-sparkling) styles. It is the quintessential aperitif, often served chilled before meals. The wine’s popularity skyrocketed as the base for the famous Bellini cocktail, created at Harry’s Bar in Venice. This cocktail, a blend of Prosecco and white peach puree, is a symbol of Venetian sophistication.
Mionetto, Italy’s largest producer of Prosecco, specializes in the traditional style, offering a frizzante version that has about half the sparkle of Champagne. This wine, priced between $10 and $12, has an appley and bubbly profile that pairs perfectly with warm weather and light dishes such as antipasti, cold soups, or pasta primavera.
For those seeking a more champagne-like experience, Nino Franco’s Prosecco de Valdobbiadene “Rustico” is an excellent choice. Priced between $14 and $21, this wine offers a bit more complexity and staying power, making it a superb base for Bellinis.
2. Soave
Soave, a white wine that hails from the verdant hills of the charming town of the same name, is a perfect companion for Venice’s fresh seafood dishes. The Soave region is nestled between the Valle d’Illasi and Val d’Alpone, areas known for their picturesque landscapes and fertile vineyards.
At its best, Soave is intensely aromatic, abundantly fruity, and subtly complex, making it an ideal match for dishes like fritto misto de mare (mixed fried seafood) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).
The Coffele family, one of Soave’s premier winemakers, produces a range of wines from primarily Garganega grapes, including Soave Classico, Ca’ Visco, and Recioto di Soave. These wines have earned a reputation for their quality and are exported to countries around the globe, including the USA, Australia, and several European nations.
Visitors to Soave can enjoy wine tastings at the Coffele estate, where they can sample these exquisite wines for a small fee. On occasion, the Coffele family invites guests to their garden beneath Soave’s castle for a more intimate tasting experience, making it a must-visit for any wine lover.
3. Valpolicella
Valpolicella is a red wine that shares its grape varieties with Bardolino, another famous Venetian wine. This wine is characterized by its ruby color, fresh cherry, and banana notes, and a dry, fruity flavor with a slightly bitter finish. The Valpolicella region, located just to the west of Venice, is known for producing a range of styles, from light and fruity to rich and complex.
Valpolicella wines are typically made from a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. The wine’s versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of dishes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed with a simple pasta dish or a more elaborate meat course, Valpolicella is a wine that embodies the spirit of the Veneto region.
For those seeking a more intense experience, Amarone della Valpolicella, a variant made from partially dried grapes, offers a richer, more concentrated flavor profile. This wine, with its deep, velvety texture and complex notes of dried fruit and spices, is perfect for special occasions or pairing with robust dishes like aged cheeses or hearty stews.
4. Grappa
Grappa is a potent, colorless brandy made from the grape skins and seeds left over after winemaking. While not a wine in the traditional sense, it is an integral part of Venetian culture. Grappa is typically served at the end of a meal, either on its own or mixed with coffee as a caffe corretto.
The production of Grappa was revolutionized by Benito Nonino, who elevated the spirit from a rough-and-ready drink to a refined and highly respected digestif. Today, grappas are made from a wide variety of both local and international grapes, each offering a unique expression of the distiller’s art. The clear spirit has become synonymous with Venice, offering a warming conclusion to a meal or a bracing start to the day.
Conclusion
Venice’s wine culture is as rich and varied as its history. From the sparkling elegance of Prosecco to the complex flavors of Soave and Valpolicella, the wines of this region offer something for every palate.
Whether you’re enjoying a glass by the canals or in a cozy trattoria, these wines embody the essence of Venice. And, of course, no Venetian meal would be complete without a final sip of Grappa, a reminder of the city’s enduring love affair with the grape.
So next time you’re in Venice, be sure to raise a glass to the local wines that make this city so special. Cheers!
