Veneto
Situated in the north-east of the country, Veneto is the Italy's largest producer of fine wine, responsible for around 14% of total production (2006). Venetian viticulture was celebrated as far back as Roman times by Pliny and Virgil on the strength of its 'Recitum' (possibly Recioto). The region's reputation was crowned during the Serenissima Republic (800-1800 AD) as Venice and Verona profited from its position on the silk route. As elsewhere in Italy a triple whammy of phylloxera, World Wars and republicanism saw the floodgates open and cooperatives take over.
The Veneto is still Italy's third largest wine-producing province (mostly from the plains of Piave behind Venice) with quantity rather than quality the order of the day. Nevertheless, the 1990s witnessed considerable investment and progress in fine wine production; today the wines are better than ever, even if the risk of hail dogs each vintage.
The foothills of the Lessini Mountains north of Verona are home to the famous and potentially outstanding red Valpolicella Classico, Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and increasingly Croatina.
Garganega is the grape behind the best white DOCs, Bianco di Custoza and Soave, while further north and east towards the Alps lie.
The Conegliano hills, home to the Prosecco grape and its eponymous sparkling wine.
Recommended Producers: Bele Casel, Masottina, Novaia, Marion, Monte dei Ragni, Quintarelli
Prices:
Bottle
£9.95
Bottle 12 x 75cl 616cs
Bottle
£10.35
Bottle 12 x 75cl 106cs
Bottle
£11.75
Bottle
£12.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 14cs
Davy Żyw, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Bottle
£13.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl 65cs
Bottle
£15.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle
£15.50
Bottle 12 x 75cl 58cs
Bottle
£15.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 10cs
Bottle
£17.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle
£19.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl 7cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Drink from 2016-2035.
As with Monte dei Ragni’s Ripasso, the production of this classically proportioned Amarone is very limited (only around 1,900 bottles were made). The fruit is bright and intense on the nose and palate, with plum pudding and mocha richness layered with dried figs and macerated cherry. The mid-palate is plump and the finish is generous. Drink now to 2027.
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
(David Berry Green)
A beguiling nose of baked brioche and dried fruits (freshly made rum babas come to mind.) An impressive, rich palate follows brimming with notes of fennel, liquorice, prunes and bitter chocolate. A simply delightful, lingering finish dominated by smoky morello cherry and sweet cinnamon spice. Try it with a rare venison steak at dinner and you’ll sleep very well.
(Nicola Gilbert - London Shop Sales - 25 Jan 2010)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
(David Berry Green)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 4cs
(David Berry Green)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
(David Berry Green)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
(David Berry Green)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs