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Veneto dry red IGT wine
How to identify a Veneto dry red IGT wine
The Veneto produces red wines under several quality classifications, including DOC, DOCG and IGT. The IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica, or Typical Geographical Indication) designation identifies wines made within a defined geographical area while giving producers greater freedom than DOC regulations allow in their choice of grape varieties, ageing methods and winemaking techniques.
A Veneto dry red IGT is a dry red wine with no perceptible residual sugar, produced from red grape varieties grown in the region. In the Province of Verona, the grapes most commonly used for IGT reds are the same native varieties found in Valpolicella: Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. However, the IGT classification also permits the use of international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet, as well as production methods that fall outside the DOC regulations.
The difference between an IGT wine and a Valpolicella DOC or Amarone DOCG lies in the classification rather than the quality. Some of Veneto’s most distinctive red wines are, in fact, produced under the IGT designation because the winemaker has chosen to move beyond the constraints of the production regulations to pursue a different vision. This may involve partial appassimento outside the traditional timeframe, a blend that is not permitted under the DOC rules, or a shorter or longer ageing period than the regulations require.
When choosing a Veneto Dry Red IGT, the key factors to consider are the grape varieties (or blend), the winemaking method, whether the wine is made from fresh or partially dried grapes, and the length of oak ageing. Wines produced from dried grapes generally offer greater concentration, fuller body and higher alcohol levels than those made exclusively from freshly harvested fruit.
Massimino: Venturini’s Veneto dry red IGT
Venturini’s Rosso Veronese IGT is called Massimino, named after the father of brothers Daniele and Mirco, who now run the winery. The name is no coincidence: it is the wine that best reflects the family’s straightforward, uncompromising approach to winemaking.
The blend consists of 75% Corvina and Corvinone and 25% Rondinella, sourced from the Campo Ossan vineyard in Valpolicella Classica. The vines are trained using the Guyot system, with around 5,000 vines per hectare and an average vine age of 30 years. Harvest takes place in early December, following a short period of appassimento that concentrates the grapes’ sugars and aromas without producing a dessert-style wine.
After destemming and crushing, fermentation lasts approximately 20 days under temperature-controlled conditions, with daily pump-overs to maximise colour and flavour extraction. The result is a dry red wine with an alcohol content of 15% ABV, displaying a deep, almost opaque ruby colour. The bouquet reveals aromas of raspberry, blackcurrant and wild strawberry, layered with hints of vanilla and red rose. On the palate, it is rich yet beautifully balanced: the generous alcohol is offset by lively freshness, while savoury tannins lead into a long finish with notes of berry preserve.
Massimino pairs beautifully with grilled meats, game, slow-cooked braises and mature cheeses. For something less traditional, it also complements richly spiced dishes such as goulash or spicy vegetable soups. Recommended serving temperature: 18°C. Available in 750 ml and 1.5 L bottles.
Venturini’s red wines
Massimino is just one of several dry red wines produced by Venturini. The winery offers a complete range of Valpolicella reds, each with its own distinctive character.
Valpolicella Classico DOC is the freshest and lightest wine in the collection, made from freshly harvested grapes without appassimento and ideal for everyday dining. Campomasua Classico Superiore DOC offers greater structure, thanks to 12 months of ageing in oak barrels. Ripasso Semonte Alto gains additional depth and complexity through refermentation on the grape skins left over from Amarone production. Finally, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG represents the pinnacle of the appassimento tradition, with a minimum ageing period of 36 months.
In terms of body and structure, Massimino sits between Ripasso and Amarone, while expressing a personality all of its own. It is drier, more direct and less opulent, with a distinctive identity made possible by the creative freedom of the IGT designation.
All Venturini wines are available to purchase directly from our winery at Via Semonte 20, San Pietro in Cariano (Verona) or online, with direct shipping from the estate. For further information, please contact us on +39 346 1683094 or email info@viniventurini.com.
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Practical information for your winery tour
All tours begin at the Venturini wine shop, located at Via Semonte 20, 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (Verona). The winery is approximately a 20-minute drive from Verona, following the signs towards San Floriano in the Valpolicella Classica area. Free on-site parking is available.
To book your tour, simply complete the enquiry form on our wine tasting page or contact our Sales Manager, Alessandro, on +39 346 1683094 or by email at info@viniventurini.com. When making your enquiry, you can specify your preferred date, the number of participants and your chosen experience.
At the end of your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase the full Venturini collection directly from the winery, including Valpolicella Classico, Amarone, Ripasso Semonte Alto, Recioto, our IGT wines and our Valpolicella extra virgin olive oil.
