Veneto

• Prosecco
• Soave

This is an excellent value (and wine) in Amarone.  It is a blend of Corvina 60%, Corvinone 30%, and Rondinella 10%.  Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is deep with black cherries, cherries, coffee, slight anise, slight raisin, and spice.  Medium to full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Nice acidity.  On the palate, flavors of cherries, black cherries, chocolate, raisins, and spice.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  Braised Venison would be a great match but so would a Pepperoni Pizza.  Drink over the next ten years.

This is 100% Pinot Grigio from northern Italy.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is mineral driven but also some lemon and slight green tart apple.  Light to medium bodied.  Slightly "oily" texture.  Good energy.  On the palate, flavors of crisp green apples with underlying minerality.  Long finish.  This drinks easily on its own but works even  better with food.  This would go well with a full charcuterie board including soft cheeses and prosciutto.  Drink over the next few years.  

This was served at a cooking school near Lake Garda.  It is a blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, and 10% Moninara.  Deep garnet in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with cherries, black cherries, plums, and slight sandalwood.  Medium bodied.  Strong acidity.  Light to medium tannins.  On the palate, this drinks easy.  Flavors of black cherries and plums. Moderate finish.  This wine definitely is better with food.  It worked well with a plate of freshly made Farfalle and Spinach Ravioli.  Drink over the next few years.