Veneto, Italy

Veneto, another region within the Northeast, is one of the largest white wine producing areas in Italy. The entire Veneto region extends from Lake Garda in the west to Venice in the east and from the foothills of the Alps in the north to the flat plains of the Po in the south. The flat plains, of general Veneto region, are usually a source inexpensive, high volume wines. These can be labelled as Veneto IGT. Veneto region encompasses towns of Verona, Soave, and Valpolicella making this area home to many popular Italian wines. 

In Soave, east of Verona, the main grape is the white variety, Garganega. These wines can either be fruitier with less acidity and made to be drunk young (typically from the flat plains) or the best examples (from the foothills) can age and develop aromas of almonds and honey. Look for wines from here to be labelled Soave DOC or Soave Classico DOC (if from the foothills). 

Valpolicella, to the northwest of Verona, also has a foothills designation versus the flatter south. The wines will be labelled as either Valpolicella DOC or Valpolicella Classico DOC (foothills). The main grape is the black variety, Corvina. Corvina has a thin skin, moderate color, high acidity, but low-medium tannins. Ever hear of Amarone della Valpolicella? This is a certain style used in winemaking within Valpolicella, made from the Corvina grape, that increases structure and flavor concentration. The Amarone style will be fuller-bodied, high alcohol, increased tannins, and strong concentration of berry and spice flavors.