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Curated by Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier
Venice itself pours from across the Veneto. Amarone is made by drying (appassimento) the same Corvina/Rondinella/Molinara grapes used for everyday Valpolicella into a much richer, higher-alcohol wine -- worth explaining as the same grapes, a different process.
Grapes
white: Glera, Garganega
red: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Wines & pairings
Prosecco
Starters
- Cicchetti (Venetian small plates) or a seafood antipasto — Light, fruity, and low-alcohol, Prosecco is built for grazing through many small dishes rather than one main course.
Entrées
- Not typically an entree wine — Best kept to aperitivo hour and starters; move to Soave or Valpolicella for the main course.
Desserts
- Fresh fruit or a light sorbet — Its gentle sweetness and bubbles refresh the palate without the weight of a still dessert wine.
Valpolicella / Amarone
Entrées
- Braised short rib or risotto all'Amarone — Amarone is made by drying the same Corvina/Rondinella grapes used for everyday Valpolicella (appassimento), concentrating it into a rich, high-alcohol red built for slow-braised, hearty dishes; lighter Valpolicella suits simpler roasted meats.
Desserts
- Dark chocolate torte — Amarone's dried-fruit intensity and raisiny sweetness can stand up to chocolate better than most dry reds.
Soave
Starters
- Baccala mantecato (whipped salt cod) or a vegetable antipasto — Soave's soft, almond-noted Garganega character is Veneto's classic light-white starter pour.
Entrées
- Risotto with seasonal vegetables — A gentle, food-friendly white that won't overpower a delicate risotto.
Featured along
- Italy — Venice
Common questions
- What wine is Veneto known for?
- Veneto, in Italy, is known for Prosecco, Valpolicella / Amarone, Soave, made from grapes such as Glera, Garganega, Corvina, Rondinella.
- What grapes are grown in Veneto?
- Glera, Garganega, Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara.
- What food pairs with Veneto wines?
- Classic local pairings include Cicchetti (Venetian small plates) or a seafood antipasto, Not typically an entree wine, Fresh fruit or a light sorbet, Braised short rib or risotto all'Amarone, Dark chocolate torte.