SPIRIT

Veneto

Up northeast, Veneto's a province that has it all.  From mountains to fertile plains and a lagoon on the Adriatic seaside. 
Holidaymakers will know it for romantic spots like Verona and the faded majesty of Venice's canals and treasures like the Rialto, the Guggenheim and the Aperol Spritz. 

Red or white?
Equally adept with white as with red, but in Veneto, finding quality is key.  There's the handsomely named smoky, crisp dry whites of Soave and the more familiar Pinot Grigio.  The best both come from hillier vineyards. 

Reds from Valpolicella range from juicy, medium bodied reds to richer full bodied, powerful dried grape styles of Amarone and its little cousin Ripasso. 

Prosecco is the fun time fizz for when friends pop in, with its peach, green apple and pastry notes.  But again, head for the hills where the quality producers farm their vineyards. The best examples come from the Conegliano zone, specifically the Cartizze hill.  The simpler wines are best put to use when aperitivo hour strikes, in either a Bellini or a Spritz.

Grapes
Garganega (in Soave), Pinot Grigio
Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella (in Valpolicella)
Glera (in Prosecco)

Favourite Producers
Soave - Pieropan, Prà, Anselmi, Inama, Tamellini
Valpolicella - La Dama, Masi, Quintarelli, Allegrini, Tedeschi, Dal Forno, Zenato, L'Arco
Prosecco - Nino Franco, Bellussi, Bellenda, Adami, Ruggeri