Italy - Veneto Flashcards
What is the average vineyard holding in Soave? How much of production do family wineries account for? Who bottles just under half of all wine?
A region of small growers and large bottlers, the average vineyard holding is 2ha.
Less than 10% is bottled by small wineries.
The largest co-operative, the Cantina di Soave.
What is the current state of demand in Soave? What has this resulted in?
It was at its peak in the 1960s and 70s but last ground in the volume market in recent decades to Pinot Grigio from the Veneto and elsewhere.
As a result, old, low quality Garganega vines in the region are being replanted with Pinot Grigio.
What is the current state of exports in Soave?
Continues to be in demand, making up 80% of total sales, especially to Germany and the UK.
Over the last 10 years, the value of exports has held up with the volume dropping, indicating higher prices are being achieved.
How has the quality reputation for Soave been conveyed, until recently?
By reference to the classico zone or by the names of individual producers (Pieropan and Inama).
What happened in 2020 to improve the quality reputation for Soave?
The Soave Consorzio carried out a classification of single vineyards across Soave as a whole, as part of an effort to reposition Soave as a higher quality wine.
This involved a detailed study of soils, aspects, elevations and their combined effect on wine style.
These ‘cru’ vineyards are all on hilly sites and most, but not all, are in the classico zone.
33 named single vineyards were approved.
Who represents 80% of producers in Valpolicella?
The Valpolicella Consorzio, of producers who make DOC(G) wines.
What does the Valpolicella Consorzio encourage?
In addition to marketing and promotion activities, its involved in research and in an initiative to sign up growers to a common standard of sustainability.
How have production trends of each Valpolicella style changed recently?
The popularity of Amarone and Ripasso has had a significant effect on the wine styles produced.
In the past, Amarone and Recioto were rare and exceptional wines, and Recioto has remained so while Amarone production has grown six-fold since the mid 1990s, and that of Ripasso nearly fourfold in the decade to 2016.
Production of Valpolicella has dropped significantly (40% over the decade to 2016).
Growers receive around 3x the prices for Amarone grapes than basic Valpolicella.
What is the state of exports for Amarone?
65% is exported, principal markets are Germany, US, UK and Switzerland.
What sustainability project was launched in Valpolicella?
The Consorzio launched an externally certified sustainability project with the aim of incorporating 60% of members by 2018 and ultimately the entire region.
It has three themes: ‘reduce, respect, retrench’ (I.e. save).
