Destination Veneto Vineyards

After leaving Lake Como on a sunny day, we followed the directions going toward Milan. From there we took E64 and E70 to Treviso, Vicenza and Paduva which are in the wine country of Veneto.

While it is tempting fortravelers to rush to Venice, we decided to detour and experienced a rare treat in the Wine County of Veneto. The wine region of Veneto may not be as familiar to us as the wine regions of Tuscany, but it is as exciting. The vines cover the countryside from the border of Austria through the spumonte country around Treviso and to the eastern part of Lake Garda. We took the Strada del Vino Prosecco (Prosecco Wine Route) that winds through the Treviso Hills and features vineyards and chestnut woods. This is a most for lovers of sparkling wines. To visit the wineries it is necessary to make reservations.

Most of us are familiar with Bardolino, Volpolicella, and Soave. At the vineyards we learned that there is a lot more to the wines of Veneto.  Merlot and Cabernet Franc have been the workhouse varieties of central and eastern Veneto for decades. Some producers blend the two with Cabernet Souvignon and age the wines in small French oak barrels to develop a greater style and complexity. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are white varieties that are also oak-aged wines.

When we think of the Veneto and its wines we must recognize those that are indigenous to the area. They are truly great and popular, and we are familiar with these wines, Pinot Grigio, Soave, Prosecco, Bardolino Classico, Volpolicella and the great Amarones Della Volpolicella. Prosecco is the areas phenomenal sparkling wine. (My wife’s favorite). The uniqueness of Amarone comes from the shriveling of the grapes.

We found that in the small restaurants of Northern Italy Amarones della Volpolicella is enjoyed with hearty roasted meat. We enjoyed risotto dishes accompanied by Pinot Grigio  (Refer to foodwineitalian.com or great risotto recipes)

In our travels we found The Hotel Continental Treviso which is a nostalgic hotel located on Via Roma in Treviso that is centrally located. Ideal for the traveler including individuals who are using public transportation. . Accommodations are quite reasonable and include a continental breakfast.

An interesting nostalgic stay in the Veneto would be at Castello di Roncode. It is an authentic working castle. It is first and foremost a winery with albergo accommodations for the traveler. The Baron Vincenzo Ciani Basetti and his family direct all activities at the castle and its land. Wine tasting is terrific. They produce an excellent Prosecco, the sparkling gem of Veneto. Besides Prosecco they have Patriarca a sparkling rose’ made from white vinification of Pinot Noir –contact with the black grape skin is avoided.