Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND VERONA
The Veneto produces more DOC (
denominazione di origine controllata
) quality- controlled
wines than any other region in Italy, with the most productive vineyards - Soave and Val-
policella - within easy reach of Verona. Northwest, Valpolicella is celebrated for Amarone,
an intense red made from partially dried grapes, while Soave delivers its crisp, namesake
whites amid storybook medieval walls.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Valpolicella
The 'valley of many cellars,' from which Valpolicella (
www.valpolicella.it
)
gets its name,
has been in the business of wine production since the ancient Greeks introduced their
pas-
sito
technique (the use of partially dried grapes) to create the blockbuster flavours we still
enjoy in the region's Amarone and Recioto wines.
Sights
Seven comuni compose the DOC quality-controlled area: Pescantina, San Pietro in Cari-
ano, Negrar, Marano di Valpolicella, Fumane, Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella and Sant'
Anna d'Alfaedo. For tourist information and biking and hiking itineraries, visit the
Valpoli-
cella tourist office
(
045 770 19 20;
www.valpolicellaweb.it
; Via Ingelheim 7;
9am-12.30pm Mon-Fri, 3-6pm
Tue & Thu-Sun, 9.30am-12.30pm Sat & Sun)
.
Villa della Torre
(
www.villadellatorre.it
;
Via della Torre 25, Fumane; guided tour of the villa/with wine tasting/with lunch €10/30/60;
HISTORIC BUILDING
)
The jewel in the Allegrini crown, this historic villa dates back to the 16th century and was
built by intellectual and humanist Giulio della Torre. Architects such as Giulio Romana (of
Palazzo Te fame), Michele Sanmicheli and Bartolomeo Ridolfo all contributed to its con-
struction, and now Allegrini wine tastings are held in the peristyle.
But don't let the wine and Ridolfo's magnificent gaping-mouthed, grotesque fireplaces
distract you completely from the garden, which is the earliest example of a Mannerist
