Veneto

In the Veneto region, bordered by the Dolomites, the Po River, and the Adriatic Sea, the most wine is produced in all of Italy. It has an incredible 27 DOC zones and 14 DOCG zones. Veneto holds the top spot in production volume not only due to the large number of different areas with suitable climatic conditions for vine growing, but also because some local appellations allow significantly higher vineyard yields, which large commercial wineries like to take advantage of. Veneto is also home to Italy's most famous sparkling wine, Prosecco. The Glera variety, from which it is made, covers a third of the vineyards in this region. Far behind follows Garganega, which forms the basis of another renowned wine, Soave. Among red varieties, Merlot and the local Corvina are the most widespread.

Among the most valuable areas is Valpolicella, located north of Verona, which has gained international acclaim comparable to Brunello or Barbaresco. The most distinctive wine of this area is Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes, or other autochthonous varieties, which are left to dry before pressing either directly in the vineyard or in well-ventilated usually attic drying rooms. Amarone has amazing finesse and complexity and can last in great condition for up to twenty years.

Another important area is Soave, where the wine of the same name, Soave Classico, is produced. This wine was previously grown mainly in quantity, but now the yield is strictly monitored so that the vine gives only the best grapes, which has significantly increased its quality and Soave has become one of Italy's treasures.

The best proseccos come from the areas of Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Cartizze, with picturesque vineyards on steep slopes that only allow manual harvesting.