Vines in this region were already cultivated by the Etruscans. The Romans arrived later and held the wine Raeticum, famously mentioned by Pliny the Elder, in high regard, supposedly a precursor of today's Recioto sweet wines. In the 15th century, viticulture flourished.
Venice is synonymous with a variety of different wine styles. Among the most famous today is, of course, Prosecco DOCG. Equally famous, however, are the white Soave and the red Valpolicella. The best wine-growing areas are located on hills in the last foothills of the Alps. Towards the south the area becomes flatter and produces rather plain wine. In addition to the already mentioned famous origins, Lugana, Bianco di Custoza or even the rosé and red wines from Bardolino play an important role.
The climate is determined by an exceptional interplay of cool air from the Alps and Mediterranean influences. A special red wine from Valpolicella has become popular in recent years, the Amarone. This very special, powerful and dry wine is made from dried grapes, the best of this kind are rare and highly esteemed. The noble sweet variant is called Recioto. If young Valpolicella is left to ferment together with the grape skins from the Amarone production, a Ripasso is obtained.
