LLS Portfolio Book

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.

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WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY