Sauvignon Blanc, Veneto

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most loved and widespread white grape varieties in the world. It is a variety native to the Loire Valley region which gradually spread to Bordeaux as well. DNA analyzes have revealed its kinship with Savagnin, one of the oldest grapes in central Europe which could be one of the parents of Sauvignon Blanc. As a semi-aromatic variety, it is now grown in many countries around the world, most notably in New Zealand, California, Australia, Chile and South Africa. In Italy, it is mainly present in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Alto Adige. Naturally, pedoclamic conditions that vary from place to place allow Sauvignon Blanc to express its personality in a very different way. An emblematic case of the Loire are the very cold temperatures and high humidity which, in addition to the presence of waterways, allow Sauvignon Blanc to develop the typical acidity in wines from Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire, also famous for its wine. Pouilly-Fumé : these are sharp wines with typical hints of gooseberry, musk, wild herbs and flint that give the palate an aromatic texture that is not easy to taste but much appreciated by connoisseurs. Reaching the Bordeaux area, with the Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes, the famous botrytised wines are obtained, that is, resulting from the appearance of noble rot on the berries which gives unique flavors by combining a high acidity with a considerable amount of sugar developed as a result of the dehydration of the cluster: Sauvignon Blanc is also in this case responsible for conferring very delicate and elegant aromas. The yield of Sauvignon in Italy is also very particular, which in the areas of Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli has found ideal environments to grow and give the best of itself. The structure of the Sauvignon from California and New Zealand is different, in which the tropical scents of white pulp fruits blend pleasantly with the typical herbaceous notes, releasing the more acidic properties of lemon peel and pomegranate in combination with wild herbs such as thyme. , sage, rosemary.

Why buy Sauvignon Blanc

Buying Sauvignon Blanc means first of all being able to familiarize yourself with one of the most widespread and famous white berried varieties in the world. The particular aromatic cut made by Sauvignon Blanc allows it to be considered as a semi-aromatic grape and, for this reason, very transversal with respect to tastes and culinary uses. Given its diffusion, buying this wine means being able to explore very diversified products and being able to deepen different local cultures, all enclosed in the great expressions of a single grape variety.

What is the origin of Sauvignon Blanc?

The origin of the name Sauvignon Blanc probably derives from sauvage (wild). There are two biotypes, that is expressions which, although belonging to the same variety, differ in some character: Sauvignon Piccolo and Sauvignon Grosso.

What are the characteristics of wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes?

Sauvignon Blanc produces wines with very recognizable characteristics: the color is usually straw yellow and can take on golden reflections with a fermentation or short aging in wood according to a widespread practice in the Pessac-Leognan area. In these cases the acid tones are diluted until they take on greater density and creaminess, with a pleasant worked note and more fruity scents. Sauvignon Blanc is otherwise recognizable for a marked shade of green apple, passion fruit and a herbaceous note ranging from asparagus to green pepper and basil.

What are the best combinations for Sauvignon Blanc?

Sauvignon Blanc is indicated in combination with grilled white meats, shellfish and fish such as sea bass flavored with lemon and parsley. For some it is also a valid accompaniment to risotto with asparagus, while it is the flagship wine for appetizers based on cold cuts and fresh cheeses.

Veneto is a land of ancient winemaking traditions, which today boasts the primacy in Italy for the production of DOC wines. The wine production of the region is qualified not only through the widest and most varied panorama of vineyards and wines, from whites to reds, from sparkling wines to passito, but also thanks to a strong vocation for quality, with as many as 14 DOCG wines, 28 DOC wines and 10 IGT wines.

Much of the Veneto, due to its climatic and morphological characteristics, is an area where excellent grapes are grown; viticulture is practiced both in the flat area, very rich in streams, and on the hills, which have a mild climate and fertile soils. With its 78,200 hectares of vineyards it is certainly one of the most interesting regions, especially for the variety of wines produced there, from the great reds of Valpolicella such as Amarone and Ripasso, to the fragrant and intense whites such as Soave and Lugana (appellation that it shares with the Lombardia) to Prosecco in its various variations, from Asolo DOCG to Cartizze.

Venetian red wine

Venetian red wine is known all over the world thanks to Amarone della Valpolicella. This red wine obtained from grapes subjected to drying ranks among the great Italian reds, and due to its characteristics of longevity and structure it is often one of the most coveted wines by collectors. In Valpolicella, however, there is also Valpolicella ripasso (obtained by resting on the lees of Amarone), and classic and superior Valpolicella. Not far away, we find Bardolino, more fruity and easy to drink, especially loved across the border. In Veneto there are also non-native grapes, such as on the Colli Berici, where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are at home, alongside the curious local grape tocai rosso, similar to cannonau or grenache. Finally, interesting results are obtained from the carmenere grape and above all from the Raboso, which gives life to an excellent red wine and a noteworthy passito.

Veneto white wine

Veneto white wine has been successful thanks to the Lugana appellation (in common with Lombardy), an excellent white wine with complex aromas, which is also interesting for aging. The Soave and Gambellara appellation was also of great importance, in which white wines have made famous producers such as Pieropan. Among the white grapes of interest there are undoubtedly the Vespaiola, with which the Torcolato di Breganze passito wine is produced, but also the yellow Moscato, which in the Euganean Hills originates the Moscato Fiori d'Arancio DOCG, a sweet sparkling wine with greedy aromas. However, white wine in Veneto means above all glera, with a growing production of Prosecco, which recently saw the release of the new Prosecco rosé, born from glera and pinot noir.

What is the best Venetian red wine?

Amarone della Valpolicella is undoubtedly the best Venetian red wine, and ranks among the best Italian wines thanks to its longevity, which allows it to age in the cellar for up to 20 or 30 years like Barolo and Brunello.

What is the best match for Veneto white wine?

Veneto white wine is rich in aromas and normally does not have much acidity, which is why it is suitable for pairing with river fish but also with egg-based dishes or enriched with sauces with aromatic herbs and bechamel. Try for example to combine Soave with pasta alla carbonara or Lugana with trout alla mugnaia, it will be a success!

Which are the most famous wine producers in Veneto?

The most famous wine producers of Veneto are undoubtedly those of Valpolicella, such as Quintarelli, Masi, Bertani, but also Tommasi, Dal Forno and Allegrini. However, there are also prominent names in the Soave appellation, such as Pieropan.