The iconic bottles that define Veneto: what they are, who makes them and what they cost.
The iconic bottles that define Veneto: what they are, who makes them and what they cost.
Tasting notes: Monumental dried cherry, leather and tobacco on the nose; dark plum, espresso, dried orange peel and iron on the palate. Firm, resolved tannins and an exceptionally long finish. The reference-point benchmark Amarone of the Classico zone.
Tasting notes: Dried black cherry, dark chocolate, espresso and iron minerality on the nose; dried blackberry, bitter chocolate, graphite and tar on the palate. The most extracted, powerful Amarone produced: built for multi-decade cellaring.
Tasting notes: Black cherry, dried plum, dried rose petal and tobacco on the nose; dark fruit, bitter chocolate, spice and earthy minerality on the palate. Full body with firm, elegant tannins and a long, savoury finish.
Tasting notes: Dried cherry, tobacco leaf, leather and dried herbs on the nose; sour plum, cedar, iron, liquorice and a subtle minerality on the palate. Medium-full body with firm, age-integrated tannins. One of the longest-lived Amarones in production.
Tasting notes: Intense dried cherry, dark rose, tobacco and cedar on the nose; structured dark fruit, bitter chocolate, spice and firm minerality on the palate. Full body, powerful tannins and remarkable ageing potential.
Tasting notes: Dried cherry, dark chocolate, violets, dried fig and cinnamon on the nose; chocolate-covered cherry, raisin, espresso, liquorice and dried orange peel on the palate. Full body, structured sweetness balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity.
Tasting notes: White peach, almond blossom, lemon zest and light volcanic mineral on the nose; orchard fruit, saline minerality, almond and a long, clean finish. Single-vineyard purity showing what Garganega reaches on volcanic Classico soils.
Tasting notes: Ripe white peach, citrus blossom, hay and a hint of fresh almond on the nose; mineral-driven palate with orchard fruit, lemon cream and a precise, clean finish. The Trebbiano di Soave component adds a slight richness and texture.
Tasting notes: Concentrated white peach, apricot, fennel flower and volcanic mineral on the nose; rich but precise palate of stone fruit, saline minerality, almond and a long, textured finish. The highest expression of Soave Superiore DOCG terroir.
Tasting notes: White peach, pear, acacia blossom and a light creamy note on the nose; delicately sweet, fine persistent bubbles, peach and tropical fruit on the palate with refreshing acidity and a clean, lively finish.
Tasting notes: Fresh white peach, pear, acacia and a light floral note on the nose; clean, lively mousse, crisp orchard fruit, citrus and mineral on the palate. Brut dosage accentuates the wine's precision over sweetness.
Tasting notes: Apricot jam, dried peach, honey, orange blossom and light saffron on the nose; luscious sweet palate of preserved citrus, almond, dried apricot and warm spice, balanced by the Vespaiola grape's natural acidity. A rich but never heavy dessert white.
Peak wine-travel season in Veneto is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
If you only open one bottle, open Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico by giuseppe-quintarelli. It is the wine most associated with Veneto.