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Veneto

Italy

About Veneto

Italy's most productive wine region stretches from the shores of Lake Garda to the Adriatic coast, with the Dolomite foothills to the north. Best known for Prosecco, Soave, and Valpolicella, Veneto's real treasure is Amarone della Valpolicella, made from partially dried Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. The appassimento technique concentrates sugars and flavors, producing one of Italy's richest, most powerful reds. Soave, from the Garganega grape, ranges from simple and crisp to complex, age-worthy single-vineyard bottlings. The sheer volume of Prosecco and Pinot Grigio sometimes overshadows the region's serious wines, but top producers in Valpolicella Classico and the volcanic soils of Soave Classico rival any Italian region for quality.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005
Red
White
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Cork tracks drinking windows for every Veneto vintage in your cellar. Sign up

Outstanding Veneto Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2022

Almost ready
Excellent

Very good concentration from small berries, structured Amarone with depth.

2027Peak 2032–20402045

2020

Ready
Excellent

Excellent balance between fruit richness and structure, well-suited for appassimento.

2025Peak 2030–20382042

2019

Ready
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage, a benchmark for modern Amarone with power and finesse.

2024Peak 2029–20402045

2016

At peak
Exceptional

Exceptional, classic vintage with pristine fruit and refined tannins.

2021Peak 2026–20402045

2015

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding, rich Amarone with superb complexity and long aging potential.

2020Peak 2025–20402045

2013

At peak
Excellent

Very good balance with classic Valpolicella character and firm structure.

2018Peak 2023–20342038

2012

At peak
Excellent

Excellent Amarone with concentrated dark fruit and polished tannins.

2017Peak 2022–20322035

2011

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding year across the zone, with powerful yet elegant Amarone.

2016Peak 2022–20362040

2010

At peak
Excellent

Very good, balanced vintage with fresh acidity and ageworthy structure.

2015Peak 2020–20342038

2009

At peak
Excellent

Rich and approachable with generous fruit, ready to enjoy.

2014Peak 2019–20302035

2007

At peak
Excellent

Very good Amarone with bright fruit and well-integrated tannins.

2012Peak 2017–20282032

2006

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding Amarone vintage with exceptional depth and complexity.

2011Peak 2016–20302036

White

2023

At peak
Excellent

Good acidity preserved despite the warm year, giving vibrant, mineral whites.

2024Peak 2024–20272028

2021

Drink now
Excellent

Fresh, mineral Soave with excellent purity and bright citrus notes.

2022Peak 2022–20252026

2020

Past window
Excellent

Very good vintage with balanced fruit and lively acidity.

2021Peak 2021–20242025

2019

Past window
Exceptional

Outstanding freshness and complexity, a benchmark Soave vintage.

2020Peak 2020–20242025

2016

Past window
Excellent

Very good Soave with classic almond and citrus character. Fading now.

2017Peak 2017–20212022

2015

Past window
Excellent

Was excellent with great depth. Past peak for most bottles.

2016Peak 2016–20202021

DOC & DOCG

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Terroir & Character

Climate

continentalsheltered

Moderate continental climate with cooling influences from Lake Garda and the Adriatic Sea, plus protection from harsh northern winds by the Alps. This creates ideal conditions for both crisp whites and structured reds, with significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity.

Terroir

diverse soilsbasaltalluvialclay

Incredibly diverse soils ranging from volcanic basalt in Soave, to calcareous clay in Valpolicella, to alluvial deposits near the Po River. The varied elevation from sea level to pre-Alpine slopes, combined with different exposures and microclimates, allows for remarkable wine diversity within a single region.

Typical Aromas

white peachgreen applealmonddried cherryvioletmineral salinity
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Veneto uses Italy’s DOCG/DOC system. Amarone della Valpolicella and Soave Superiore hold DOCG status, while the broader Prosecco DOC covers the region’s famous sparkling wine.

DOCG

Amarone, Recioto, Soave Superiore, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco

DOC

Valpolicella, Soave, Prosecco, Bardolino, Lugana

IGT

Veneto IGT, delle Venezie IGT

Grapes of Veneto

Corvina

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
red cherrysour cherryalmondherbs

Key grape in Veneto. Made as light Valpolicella, but also dried (appassimento) to produce concentrated, full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella and sweet Recioto.

Garganega

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
applepearlemonpeach

Principal grape of Soave in the Veneto. Also used to make the sweet Recioto di Soave via air-drying (passito method). Almond and blossom notes are hallmarks.

Glera

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applepearwhite peachwhite flowers

The grape of Prosecco

Pinot Grigio

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearalmond

Light, crisp, high-volume style

Rondinella

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
cherryplumviolet

Key blending grape in Valpolicella and Amarone

Trebbiano

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lemongreen applepearalmond

Widely planted white, used in Soave blends and Lugana

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Veneto wine special?▼
Veneto's incredible diversity is what sets it apart - it's Italy's most productive region but still makes exceptional wines from Lake Garda to the Adriatic coast. The real star is Amarone della Valpolicella, made from partially dried Corvina grapes using the ancient appassimento technique. You've also got crisp Soave from Garganega grapes and of course Prosecco from Glera, so there's something for every occasion.
What are the best Veneto vintages?▼
Recent standout years include 2022 for reds, especially Amarone - small berries gave great concentration and structure. For whites, 2021 was excellent with fresh, mineral Soave showing beautiful citrus purity. 2020 was solid across the board with balanced fruit and good acidity for both reds and whites, perfect for the appassimento process.
What grapes are grown in Veneto?▼
Corvina is the king here - it's the main grape in Amarone and Valpolicella, often blended with Rondinella and Molinara. For whites, you've got Garganega making those mineral Soave wines, Glera for all that Prosecco, and tons of Pinot Grigio. Corvina is really special because it handles the drying process for Amarone so well.
Is 2023 a good year for Veneto?▼
2023 was particularly strong for whites, earning a solid 4/5 rating. Despite the warm growing season, winemakers managed to preserve good acidity, resulting in vibrant, mineral-driven wines. The heat could have been problematic, but careful vineyard management kept the freshness intact.
When should I drink Veneto 2023?▼
For 2023 Veneto whites like Soave and Prosecco, drink them now through 2026 while that vibrant acidity is at its peak. The mineral character and bright fruit will be best in the next couple of years. These aren't really age-worthy styles - they're meant to be enjoyed for their freshness and energy.
What food pairs well with Veneto wines?▼
Amarone is incredible with rich dishes - think osso buco, aged cheeses like Gorgonzola, or even dark chocolate desserts. Soave is perfect with seafood, especially the region's famous baccalà, or creamy risottos. Prosecco works with everything from aperitivo snacks to fried foods, while Valpolicella pairs beautifully with pasta in tomato sauce or grilled meats.
How does Veneto compare to Tuscany?▼
Veneto is way more diverse - while Tuscany focuses heavily on Sangiovese and structured reds, Veneto excels at everything from sparkling Prosecco to the unique dried-grape Amarone. Tuscany has the prestige factor with Chianti and Brunello, but Veneto offers better value and more variety. Plus, Veneto's appassimento technique is completely unique to the region.

Map data: Regione del Veneto