Veneto

DOC for a wide range of red and white wines in the border area between the two wine-growing regions of Friuli-Giulia-Venezia and Veneto in Italy. The region was created in 1968 by amalgamating the previously independent DOC regions of Cabernet di Pramaggiore, Merlot di Pramaggiore and Tocai di Lison. The region stretches from the Adriatic coast in the south, between the Tagliamento and Livenza rivers up to the Friuli-Giulia-Venezia region in the north. The zone is located in the plains of the Piave river, and includes 11 communes (including Pramaggiore) in the province of Veneto and two communes in the province of Treviso (Venezia region), as well as five communes in the province of Pordenone (F-G-V region). The varietal-labelled wines must contain a minimum of 85% of the stated variety, the remining 15% may be made up of other permitted varieties of the same colour. The varietal wines are Cabernet (from Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Lison or Tocai Italico or Tocai (from Tocai Friulano), Malbech (from Malbec), Merlot, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Riesling (Riesling Renano), Riesling Italico (Welschriesling), Sauvignon and Verduzzo. Sauvignon and Verduzzo. The Bianco is a blend of Tocai Friulano (50-70%) and other permitted white varieties (up to 50%). The Rosso (also made as a Novello) is a blend of Merlot (50-70%) and from other permitted red varieties (up to 50%). Some of these wines are also available in Frizzante and/or Spumante versions, there are Superiores with higher alcohol levels and Riservas that have been matured for a specified period. All of the wines are made at least in a dry, or secco, version some are also available in Amabile (semi-sweet) and Dolce (sweet) versions.