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The Veneto red wine comes in various types, each with distinctive characteristics resulting from the different grape varieties used and the winemaking process in the region. Some types include:
This grape is the backbone of many Veneto reds, mainly Valpolicella. Corvina grapes are known for producing wines with cherry or plum fruit flavors. They have notes of almond and are light to medium in body with a firm but gentle acidity. They tend to have a lighter color and a more delicate, floral aroma.
Rondinella grape adds body and complexity when blended with Corvina in wines like Valpolicella Superiore and Ripasso. The wines tend to be fruitier, sometimes more robust with flavors of dark berries, spices, andsometimes earthy undertones. They're also used in some Amarone wines, adding sweetness and richness. This grape is less powerful than Corvina but balances lighter, more vibrant wines.
This grape is lesser-known but still grows in the Veneto region. It produces medium-bodied wines with red fruit flavors. Grower see it as a refreshing alternative to heavier reds because it has a lower tannin level and higher acidity; it is often enjoyed young.
Oseleta is an ancient grape that has been revived in Veneto. Winemakers use it to produce powerful red wines with great aging potential. Oseleta wines are rich in tannins, dark fruit flavors, and often hints of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
The Veneto region is known for producing a substantial amount of Merlot, especially since the region has many producers who aim to create smoother and more palatable varietals. Veneto Merlot wines are often fruit-forward with plum and blackberry notes. The wines are medium-bodied with soft tannins and rounded acidity. They tend to be -approachable and easy to drink, often enjoyed young.
Veneto Italian red wine
Veneto red wine has enough acidity and body to complement various dishes. Besides pairing with Amarone wine, which is often rich and complex, it goes well with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses. Veneto reds, especially Valpolicella, work well with pizza and pasta dishes, as their fruitiness balances the tomato sauces. Ripasso's grapes have a bit more body and can complement richer foods like braised meats or mushroom risotto.
Chefs and home cooks use Veneto red wine to enhance the flavors of their dishes during cooking. Its bold flavors make it ideal for marinades, particularly for meats like beef or lamb. When added to sauces, it reduces and concentrates the sauce, adding depth and complexity.
Younger winemakers often use Corvina grapes due to their popularity and versatility in blending. Veneto red wine is used by some winemakers to create unique blends that highlight the best characteristics of different grape varieties. This will enable them to produce smoother, more balanced wines that appeal to a broader market.
Like any other wine, people will also enjoy Veneto red wine at social gatherings. It is often enjoyed at celebrations, meals, or tastings, bringing people together to appreciate its flavors and heritage. People in Veneto use their wines during local festivals and events, contributing to cultural traditions and celebrations.
Wine enthusiasts and professionals participate in tastings or tours in Veneto to learn about the region's winemaking traditions and taste vineyards. This gives them knowledge of what makes Valpolicella wines unique. Appellation and terroir are key factors in the wine's quality and characteristics.
Valpolicella can be fruity and light to full-bodied, depending on the wine style. Valpolicella Classico is fresh and fruity with cherry and almond notes. Older wines like Valpolicella Riserva will have more aged characteristics like dried fruit, leather, and spice. Amarone della Valpolicella is richer and more robust with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco. Ripasso wines tend to have a fuller body and more complexity than basic Valpolicella, with flavors of stewed fruit and earthy undertones.
Veneto reds, especially from Valpolicella, have aromatic qualities that can be distinguished from other wines. Corvina wines are usually floral with sweet red fruit aromas like cherry or plum. Amarone may have deep, complex aromas of dried fruit and chocolately leather notes. Certain Ripasso wines may show richer, darker fruity aromas along with spicy or earthy notes.
Veneto wines generally appear clear and bright. The color of Valpolicella wines may range from pale ruby in younger Valpolicella to a deep ruby or garnet in aged wines. Corvina grapes will give the wine a lighter, more translucent hue. In contrast, Amarone, made from dried grapes, will be deep, opaque in color. Ripasso wines typically fall between the two in color, showing a medium depth that leans towards a richer hue.
Veneto winemakers use traditional and modern techniques to create their reds. Basic Valpolicella is produced using standard fermentation methods. Wines like Amarone are unique because they use the appassimento process, where grapes are dried before fermentation. This concentrates sugars, resulting in a high-bodied wine. Ripasso is made by re-passing the young Valpolicella over the leftover pomace of Amarone, which adds depth and complexity to the wine.
Veneto reds range from dry to sweet, depending on the type and producer. Valpolicella and Merlot are usually dry with lower sugar levels, while Amarone is sweet because the grapes are dried, concentrating the sugars. Repassed wines may have a bit of residual sugar, giving them a fruitier taste without being overtly sweet.
Proper storage extends the life of Italian red wine from Veneto and preserves its flavors:
The ideal storage temperature for red wine is 12°C-15°C. The wine will age properly if it is kept at a constant temperature within that range. Avoid storing wine temperatures below or above this range, as it will spoil. Keep Veneto red wine in the fridge if a person doesn't have a dedicated wine cellar or fridge, though cellars can be used, wines are spoiled if cellars are too damp or dry. There's an ideal humidity level of 50%-70% in wine cellars for proper cork maintenance. Too much humidity will spoil the wine when bacteria is introduced, and too little will dry the cork.
Too much light exposure can cause wine to age too quickly, spoiling the drink. Veneto red wines should ideally be stored in a dark environment since most wines are bottled in dark glass. Use shutters or ceillings or keep the wine bottles in boxes or move them to a dark place. Never store wine in a wine cellar near windows or in clear glass containers.
Excess vibration disrupts the wines' natural aging process by disturbing the sediments in the bottle. This may cause the wine to spoil, affecting its taste and aroma. Ensure Valpolicella red wine
Wine is ruined when contaminated with various types of air, and Red wine from Veneto is no exception. Make sure nothing with strong odors, like cleaning chemicals or certain types of flowers, is near the wine storage area. Keep wine bottles sealed with corks or caps to limit air exposure to keep bacteria away. Consider investing in an air purifier if storing a large wine collection to ensure air quality remains optimal for good wine preservation.
Amarone and Valpolicella wines use the Corvina grape to make notable wines. Appassimento is the drying process used to make wines like Amarone. This concentrates the sugars to give a wine with rich flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice. Ripasso Valpolicella wines are made by re-passing basic Valpolicella over the pomace of Amarone, resulting in fuller-bodied wines with more depth and complexity. Corvina grapes produce wines that are typically lighter in color and body. The wines usually have cherry or plum flavors with floral or almond notes.
The wine pairs well with different foods because it has a good acidity and balance. Veneto reds complement roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses due to their fruit and tannin concentration. Ripasso and Valpolicella work well with pasta dishes that have tomato-based sauces. Veneto wines work well with traditional Italian dishes like pizza and pasta. Their fruitiness balances the richness of the sauces, making them more enjoyable. Veneto red wines are the best choice for hearty stews and braises because they complement the meat's richness while refreshing the palate.
Veneto wines like Valpolicella and Amarone can be aged for different periods. Aging time depends on the wine style and quality. Basic Valpolicella is best consumed young, around 1-3 years after bottling. Valpolicella Superiore and Ripasso have better aging potential, lasting 5-7 years and developing more complexity over time. Amarone is one of the best high-aged wines, lasting up to 10-20 years or more. As they age, the wine softens, developing tertiary flavors of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit. Historic vineyards usually produce Red wines with better aging potential than contemporary vineyards.
You must do the proper serving and decanting of Veneto Italian red wine to appreciate its flavors and aromas. It should be served at the ideal temperature for each wine type. Serve Valpolicella wines between 16°C-18°C and Amarone around 18°C. Decanting helps oxygenate the wine, enhancing its aromas and flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes of decanting for Amarone and Ripasso, while Valpolicella may need a shorter time. Use a decanter made of crystal or glass to elevate and improve the overall presentation of the wine. This makes it more enjoyable for the drinker.