Veneto

In the Veneto region, bordered by the Dolomites, the Po River, and the Adriatic Sea, the most wine is produced in all of Italy. It has an incredible 27 DOC areas and 14 DOCG. Veneto holds the lead in production volume not only due to the large number of different areas with suitable climatic conditions for growing vines but also because some local appellations allow significantly higher vineyard yields, which large commercial wineries like to take advantage of. Veneto is also the home of Italy's most famous sparkling wine, Prosecco. The Glera variety, from which it is made, covers a third of the vineyards in this region. Far behind it follows Garganega, which forms the basis of another famous wine, Soave. Among the red varieties, Merlot and the local Corvina.

Among the most valuable areas is Valpolicella, located north of Verona, which has gained international fame comparable to Brunello or Barbaresco. The most notable wine of this area is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG from Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes, and possibly other indigenous varieties, which are left to dry either directly in the vineyard or in well-ventilated attics before pressing. Amarone has amazing finesse and complexity, and in great condition, it can last up to twenty years.

Another significant area is Soave, where the eponymous wine Soave Classico is produced. This wine was previously grown mainly for quantity, but now yield is strictly monitored to ensure that the vine gives only the best grapes, which has significantly increased its quality and Soave has become one of Italy's jewels.

The best Proseccos come from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Cartizze areas, with picturesque vineyards on steep slopes that allow only manual harvesting.