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WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY
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Veneto
Ancient lore notes that after the fall of Troy, Antenor, a comrade of Aeneas, and a group of Trojans
settled in what is now Veneto. Initially, the Veneti people were similar linguistically and culturally
to their southern Etruscan neighbors. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region (at the time
called “Venetia”), was ravaged by Goths, Visigoths, and the Huns. After many invasions, the Veneto
was absorbed by the Holy Roman Empire. By 1200 AD, the Holy Roman Empire was dissipating and
Venice formed its own republic, which lasted for almost 600 years until Napoleon invaded in 1797.
Valpolicella, Amarone, and Ripasso are the three defining red wines of Veneto. DOC Valpolicella wines
are produced from a blend of Corvina and Rondinella and can vary from light and fruit forward to rich
and concentrated. DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella is produced using the same blend. However, the
grapes used are dried for a minimum of three months prior to vinification. DOC Valpolicella Ripasso is
produced by refermenting DOC Valpolicella on the unpressed skins and lees of Amarone or Recioto
della Valpolicella. The resulting wine is typically reminiscent of both Amarone and Valpolicella.
One of only a handful of sparkling wines to come out of Italy, Prosecco is a perennial consumer
favorite due to its finessed flavors and typically low price. Prosecco usually shows bright green apple,
lime, and mineral characteristics.