When learning about Italian grape varieties, don’t forget that we could go down the deep, dark, endless rabbit hole of different varieties if we wanted to go nuts, being that there are over 2000 different varieties in Italy alone. But the six grapes we talk about here represent 99.99% of Veneto whites you’ll come across in the wine shop and on wine lists.
A feature of Veneto whites, for me, is the ability for the wine to often have body and weight without sacrificing acidity. This is an amazing balancing act, and why many of these wines are some of my favorites in the world for affordable drinking.
As you can tell from the video, the variety I’m most excited about is Garganega. I’ve always been fascinated by it, and the best examples from Soave Classico are some of my go-to wines. (Pra and Inama are two favorites).
Links below lead to general information via Wine Searcher, which has done a better job than anyone on cataloging and organizing grape variety information, plus information on the variety from the Italian Wine Connection (which will tell you the exact regions the grape is allowed), plus (if I found a good one) an article focusing on that grape in this particular region or Italy in general.
GLERA
Wine Searcher: Glera
Italian Wine Connection: Glera
PINOT GRIGIO
Wine Searcher: Pinot Grigio
Italian Wine Connection: Pinot Grigio
Vinepair: Learn about Pinot Grigio
CHARDONNAY
Wine Searcher: Chardonnay
Italian Wine Connection: Chardonnay
SAUVIGNON BLANC aka “Sauvignon”
Wine Searcher: Sauvignon Blanc
Italian Wine Connection: Sauvignon Blanc
GARGANEGA
Wine Searcher: Garganega
Italian Wine Connection: Garganega
VERDICCHIO BIANCO (formerly known as “Trebbiano di Lugana”)
Wine Searcher: Verdicchio Bianco
Italian Wine Connection: Verdicchio