Italian Wine Tasting: The Veneto Region with Rachel Erdman
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Come and discover the most important wines of the Veneto region and learn what makes them special. Enjoy a guided tasting of six wines, each paired with a local cheese or prosciutto. From sparkling Prosecco to robust Amarone, this region produces many excellent whites and reds. Our expert on Italian wine will also include tips on selecting these wines at a restaurant or wine store so participants can be on their way to becoming a Veneto wine connoisseur.
We will discuss the geography of the region to better understand the most important wine-producing areas. Millions of years ago, this area was formed by volcanos, seas, and glaciers – all having an impact on current soil and growing conditions. From gently rolling hills to steep rocky slopes, each area is unique and particularly well-suited for certain varietals.
The primary focus of this seminar is wine tasting, and our expert will lead a guided tasting of six different wines (see Recommended Wines below). The wines will include a sparkling white, still white wines, and red wines of various structures, from medium to full-bodied.
Each wine will be paired with a quality local cheese, or salumi like prosciutto or sopressa. Our expert will include food pairing tips with each wine. We will also discuss how to select these wines at a restaurant or wine store with confidence, and which producers are worth seeking out.
Led by an expert on Italian wine, Rachel Erdman, this interactive seminar will provide an in-depth look at the wines of the Veneto region. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the most important wines of this region, their characteristics and production methods, and tips for selecting these wines.
Recommended Wines:
Here are the wines that we will be tasting together:
- Prosecco DOCG (brut or extra dry) - dry, sparkling, white wine
- Lugana DOC - dry, still, white wine
- Soave Classico DOC - dry, still, white wine
- Ripasso della Valpolicella DOC - still, red wine
- Friularo DOCG - still, red wine
- Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG - still, red wine
Specific wineries are not indicated, as the selection of available wines varies greatly from area to area.
Cheeses that we will pair with the wines:
- Asiago (fresh, mild version, aged approx. 1-2 months)
- Monte Veronese (medium-aged approx. 6 months)
- Piave (medium to aged cheese approx. 7-8 months
- Grana Padano (aged at least one year)
If you are not able to find these specific cheeses, a variety of cow’s milk cheeses, including fresh to aged will work well.
Other local products that we will pair with the wines:
- Prosciutto Crudo Euganeo Berico
- Sopressa Veneta
If you are not able to find these specific products, look for an Italian Prosciutto Crudo from Parma or San Daniele and a mild, fresh salami.
Rachel is a wine and food expert based in the Veneto region of Italy, her home for more than twenty-five years, and a graduate of Boston University. She received her sommelier certification in Italy in 2009 through the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. Rachel continued her studies to become a cheese taster (ONAF) a few years—and many cheeses–later. She has led wine tastings and gourmet walks for Context Travel in Venice and Padova since 2007. She co-founded www.venicedaytrips.com, which specializes in wine and food tours in northern Italy, to share her passion for Italian wine and artisanal cheese with visitors from around the globe.
This conversation is not suitable for children under age 16
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
This was my second lecture hosted by Rachel Erdman. It was both fun and entertaining. Rachel shares her knowledge and love of the topic in an entertaining and charming way.
Wow, this was such a pleasant detailed overview of key wines to choose from which emanate from northern Italy. Rachel began by discussing the Veneto region's geography (a nice visit with beautiful photos) which explained a lot about the growing of grapes there and the outcomes. The defining of the quality wine levels was most helpful -- now I know more about what these designations mean when shopping for Italian wine. We were walked through the sampling of 4 reds and 4 whites in a very systematic manner (grape varietal, olfactory exam, color, tasting, pairings, producers). The cheese and meat accompaniments were explained also and was most informative. The handout that was sent via email prior to the session was so helpful in following along (and for taking with me to a wine store next time). Rahel's relaxing manner of presenting and actually sampling the choices made me feel we were in the same room (although I did not have the samples described). I really enjoyed this session and will watch it again to complement my notes taken!
We've enjoyed two conversations with Rachel, whose tightly organized and professional wine seminars are both passionate and engaging.
This was my second seminar with Rachel, and it was a real treat. Rachel broke down the Veneto region into province, explaining a number of whites and reds, making the oft overwhelming landscape of wine knowledge accessible, clear, and enjoyable. Rachel has the power to make even a novice feel a sense of accomplishment by sharing her observations of each wine via sight, taste, and smell. Beautifully accompanied by colors slides including clear maps, diagrams, and photographs, this presentation really delivers practical tools for drinking as well as eating to make anyone more confident and informed when approaching the eno culture of the Veneto.