What is my Favourite Wine Region?
A question that is sure to send shivers down the spine of any wine professional/enthusiast. Mainly because if we were to be asked this question today, and then again the following week, the answer would undoubtedly be different! Nonetheless if I were to give you my answer right here right now, I would have to go for the wonderful region of Veneto in North Eastern Italy. Home to some of the country’s most famous and historic cities Venice and Verona.
It is a region that encapsulates the idea of ‘the small dog, with a large bark’ due to its diminutive size compared to noisy Italian neighbours Tuscany and Piedmont. And despite this region produces more wine than the other two combined, and whilst it is sure to be a region unfamiliar to the casual wine drinker, its ever growing reputation will improve for many years to come.
What does Veneto mean to me?
I have a strong ethos when pairing wine with food, that Mother Nature tells us all that we need to know. ‘The Climate dictates the cuisine, The Climate dictates the wine’ and there are few wine regions that promote this belief better than Veneto. Here are a few examples:
- A refreshing Soave Classico with local shellfish and clams
- An elegant Bardolino with some traditional regionally appropriate cured meats such as Belluno Salami
- A Valpolicella Ripasso with a tender Venetian Style Steak
- Recioto della Valpolicella to pair with some native Italian Cheeses!
The name Veneto, for me means one thing… versatility. Whether you are enjoying a lip smacking Soave or the region’s infamous Amarone della Valpolicella in all of its ripe, fruity glory. It is even the spiritual home to some of Italy’s best examples of Pinot Grigio and Prosecco! Veneto will likely have a wine to suit all!
