Veneto
What makes it special
The Veneto makes more wine than any other region, about a quarter of Italy's total. That volume covers Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and Soave, and it also covers Amarone, made from grapes dried for months before they are pressed.
What makes it unique
Drying grapes is the Veneto's signature. Amarone and Recioto della Valpolicella come from Corvina and its partners left to shrivel through the winter, which concentrates sugar and flavour in a way few red wine regions attempt. The steep Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019.
Why you should care
You have almost certainly drunk the Veneto's everyday wine. The reason to look closer is the gap between the cheap bottles and the serious ones, which is wider here than almost anywhere, and the serious ones are well worth finding.
34 of these still need a bottle. See them on the wanted list.