Best Province of Verona Wine Types
Amarone della Valpolicella (DOCG) is a rich, dry Italian red wine made from dried grapes of the varieties Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara. It is considered to be the most prestigious wine of the Veneto region and one of the most important Italian big reds, which is usually highly priced.
The wine ages exceptionally well and though the minimum required period for the prestigious Amarone Riserva is four years, great producers tend to age it much longer. Amarone is an incredibly flavorful, concentrated wine, with aromas of fruit jams, cinnamon, chocolate, and spices.
THE BEST Amarone della Valpolicella Wine Appellations
Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine
Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2016
USA Wine Ratings - Gold 2021
Valpolicella is a red Italian wine that is produced from varying percentages of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, as well as small portions of other local grape varieties. Often described as a pleasant, everyday wine, Valpolicella is a lively, medium-bodied, fruity, and floral wine that usually displays aromas and flavors reminiscent of sour cherries and herbs.
The wine is traditionally enjoyed young, though some producers occasionally experiment with aging. This food-friendly wine can match a wide array of dishes, from antipasto to pasta dishes and risottos, as well as grilled or roasted meat. Amarone della Valpolicella and Valpolicella Ripasso (DOC) are the most important incarnations of this Italian wine.
This unique Italian wine is made with a combination of Valpolicella wines and still fermenting lees—yeast deposits from fermentation—of Amarone della Valipolicella or Recioto della Valpolicella. This process helps the wines attain character, depth, more structure, and longevity.
The wines produced Ripasso style typically have more complex, spicy flavors, as well as fruity and floral notes reminiscent of ripe cherries. They are a perfect accompaniment to meat-based dishes, especially braised or roasted red meat, stews, game, charcuterie, and aged cheeses, as well as pasta dishes served with ragù sauce or various types of risottos.
Soave is an Italian wine that comes from the namesake wine region, which is located east of Verona. It is predominately made with Garganega grapes, and occasionally small amounts of Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, or other varieties. Soave comes with different quality designations, including Classico, which can only be produced in the designated Soave hillside vineyards.
It can also come in three styles, the dry still Soave, sparkling spumanti, and sweet recioto. Dry Soave wines are crisp, delicate, light, and harmonious. Most varieties produced today are light-bodied, with fresh, fruity notes. Light soave wines are enjoyed as an aperitif, but they also pair well with fish, seafood, pasta, or light appetizers.
Bardolino is a type of dry red wine traditionally produced around Verona, on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda. It is predominately made with a blend of Corvina and Rondinella grapes, while other, minor varieties may include Rossignola, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Moinara.
Bardolino DOC and Bardolino Classico DOC, which is produced in original, traditional vineyards, are harmonious and pleasant wines that go well with various strong and light dishes. Other styles include full-bodied Bardolino Superiore that must be aged for a minimum of one year, Bardolino Chiaretto rosé, and the refreshing young Bardolino Novello.
Sweet Recioto di Soave wines are produced in the province of Verona with dried Garganega grapes as the principal variety, while the most common addition to the blend includes Trebbiano di Soave. The wines produced in the region are well-structured, intense, concentrated, and full-bodied, with typical notes of apricots, caramel, almonds, and honey.
The region also includes harmonious spumante (sparkling) wines that are characterized by fine and persistent perlage, fruit aromas, and a subtle almond finish. Both styles are usually paired with desserts such as pandoro or various cookies, but they can also go well with cheese and nuts.
Oseleta is one of the ancient, almost extinct Italian grapes that was reintroduced in the 1970s. This red grape is native to Verona, where it was mainly used in local red blends to add structure and color. Although still rare, some producers use it to produce unique varietal wines.
These wines have deep ruby, almost purple color. They have an intense aroma reminiscent of ripe red and dark berries, along with some herbal and mineral nuances. On the palate, they are tannic, fruity, and spicy. Not much is known about Oseleta’s origin.
Lessini Durello is an Italian appellation for sparkling white wines made from Durella variety. The grape proved suitable for the production of sparkling wines because of its high acidity and delicate aromas. The wines have to be made with a minimum of 85% Durella, while other permitted varieties include Chardonnay, Garganega, Pinot Bianco, and/or Pinot Nero.
The appellation includes the regular non-riserva label, in which the second fermentation can take place in tanks or bottles. For the Riserva label, the second fermentation must take place in the bottle (metodo classico). These mineral, straw-colored wines are floral, citrusy, and toasty, often with hints of honey and caramel-like aromas.
Custoza is an Italian wine appellation located in Verona that mostly produces dry white wines, though official guidelines also permit dessert and sparkling styles. Dry Custoza wines are easy-drinking and approachable, with aromas that are reminiscent of white fruit.
Herbal nuances can also be present, as well as some spicy notes that may become more prominent with age. It is a versatile wine that can pair with various dishes, but it is traditionally served with fish. Custoza wines are made with a minimum of 70% of Cortese (Bianca Fernanda), Friulano (Tai), Garganega, and/or Trebbiano Toscano varieties.
Best Province of Verona Wine Producers
Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine is a renowned Italian winery located in the Veneto region, particularly in the area surrounding Verona. Established in 1925, it has a long history of producing high-quality wines. The winery is known for blending tradition with innovation, creating wines that reflect both the rich heritage of the Veneto and modern winemaking techniques.
Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine produces a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. Some of their most popular offerings include Amarone della Valpolicella, Valpolicella Ripasso, and Prosecco. They also produce wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella, which are key to the region's famous reds.
AWARDS
USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2021
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine Wines
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020
BEST Cantina Valpolicella Negrar Wines
Bertani is a renowned winery from the Valpolicella region in Italy, founded in 1857 by brothers Giovanni Battista and Gaetano Bertani in Quinto di Valpantena, north of Verona. Gaetano acquired his winemaking expertise in France, studying under the famous Professor Jules Guyot, which enabled the winery to combine innovative techniques with local tradition.
Throughout its long history, Bertani has become synonymous with quality and innovation in winemaking. Particularly notable is their Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, a wine that has become an icon of Italian viticulture. This Amarone is crafted from grape varieties such as Corvina and Rondinella, which are dried before fermentation, resulting in a rich and complex wine with exceptional structure and longevity.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
BEST Corte Giara Wines
Monte Dall'Ora is a family-owned winery situated in the heart of Valpolicella, Italy. Founded in 1995 by Carlo Venturini and his wife Alessandra Zantedeschi, the winery was established with the aim of interpreting nature without imposing upon it, creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
The estate is located on sun-drenched slopes with mineral-rich soils, providing ideal conditions for cultivating indigenous grape varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara. They practice organic and biodynamic agriculture, respecting the balance of the ecosystem and biodiversity.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 98 points
2024
BEST Monte Dall'Ora Wines
AWARDS
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
BEST Az. Agricola Tamburino Sardo di Fasoli Adriano e Figli Wines
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2020
BEST Cantine Di Verona Wines
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