Veneto

Question 1

Two of Italy’s most well known wines come from Veneto

Answer 1

Soave and Valpolicella - can be made as low of high quaity wines

Question 2

Explain the Geography of Veneto

Answer 2

1. The Veneto Wine region is located in the north-east of Italy
2. Protected from the harsh European climate by the Alps (Dolomites) which form the northern boundaries of Veneto.
3. Adriactic coastal plains and river valleys are where the renowned Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amaroe DOC reds and produced.
4. The soils of Veneto are well drained volcanic soils with sand,clay and gravel.

Question 3

Four main wines of Veneto

Answer 3

1. Soave
2. Amarone
3. Valpolicella
4. Prosecco

Question 4

White grapes of Veneto

Answer 4

1. Garganega
2. Chardonnay
3. Glera
4. Trebbiano (verdicchio)
5. Pinot Gris
6. Pinot Bianco

Question 5

Garganega

Answer 5

Dominant grape of Soave

Question 6

Trebbiano

Answer 6

Blended with Garganega to make Soave

Question 7

Vespaiola

Answer 7

Native grape, used to make dry white and sweet wines.

Question 8

Red Grapes of Veneto

Answer 8

1. Corvina
2. Molinari
3. Rondinella
4. Negrara
5. Cabernet Sauvignon
6. Merlot

Question 9

Corvina

Answer 9

Leading red grape in the production of Amarone, Valpollicella and Bordolinos

Question 10

Molinara, Negrara and Rondinella

Answer 10

Blending grapes with Corvina to produce Amarone, Valpolicella and Bardolino

Question 11

Veneto Landscape

Answer 11

Most of Veneto is warmer, more maritime and less influenced by the Alps as compared to other regions.
The rivers of Adige and Po flow through veneto and make their way into the Adriatic sea.
Best vineyards and planted on hills with sand, clay and gravel soil.

Question 12

Soave wine

Answer 12

Comes from the hillside town of Soave; east of Verona.
Usually made with Garganega and Trebbiano. Is almost never aged.
A step up in quality in Soave Classico which comes from a specific zone on the steep hills above the town of Soave.
A step higher than that is Soave classico Superiore, which must be aged eight months before release.

Question 13

Decline of Soave quality in the 1970s

Answer 13

Soave is originally made from Garganega and Trebbiano and is light, fresh and smooth. However in 1970s the wines became bland, neutral and cheap jug wine made from Trebbiano Toscano - a flavorless trebbiano compared to higher quality trebbiano di soave.

Question 14

Champion producers of Soave

Answer 14

1. Anselmi
2. Gini
3. Bertani
4. Pieropan

Question 15

Amarone

Answer 15

Amarone means big bitter one. It is made mostly with Corvina; Rondinella, Molinara and sometimes Negrara. The grapes are picked later so they can ripen longer. The grapes are then left on racks for 3-4 months to dry and concentrate the sugar and flavors. Then the grapes are crushed and fermented resulting in opulent full bodied and high alcohol wine. Most amarones are aged for 5 years before release. The process of Recioto allows winemakers to make a bold wine in relatively cool climates.