De Stefani Venis Sauvignon Blanc 23

The Veneto in northeastern Italy provides a splendid change of pace from the more well-known wine regions of Tuscany and Piemonte. In Tuscany, Sangiovese is the king of the vineyards, and in the Piemonte, it's all about Nebbiolo and Barbera. The Veneto, on the other hand, offers a fascinating blend of indigenous and international grapes. The region's varied terroir—from the Dolomite foothills to the Adriatic coast—creates unique microclimates that work very nicely for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Veneto is best known globally for its Prosecco and Amarone wines; however, its range extends far beyond these staples. You'll also find international varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon here, and I must say, they shine in the Veneto terroir. Unlike Tuscany's rolling hills and Piemonte's dramatic slopes, Veneto's vineyards often benefit from flatter terrain in the coastal areas, or gently rolling hills inland.

The De Stefani family has contributed to Veneto's viticultural scene for generations. Founded by Valeriano De Stefani in 1866, today, the winery meanders across the picturesque hills of Refrontolo, recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The family's relentless pursuit of quality, authenticity, and respect for tradition has carried them through generations as they continue to expand their vineyard holdings in the Piave Valley near Venice.

Today, under the meticulous guidance of Alessandro De Stefani, the family's fourth-generation vigneron, the estate emphasizes natural winemaking and viticultural methods. Alessandro champions methods that respect the land, and he purposefully avoids synthetic herbicides and chemical fertilizers. This hands-off approach of naturally nurturing their vineyards is key in producing wines that beautifully translate and represent Veneto's rich terroir.

Vènis Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant expression of this classic varietal and one we recently featured at our last AWM Wine Dinner. The winning combo of careful cultivation and minimal intervention adds up to a pure and refreshing expression of classic Sauvignon Blanc.

In your glass, Vènis Sauvignon Blanc greets you with lively aromas of citrus, hints of fresh-cut herbs, and gentle floral notes. The refreshingly crisp palate offers up bright layers of lemon zest and green apple, framed by just the right amount of delicate minerality.

In the Veneto, a local trattoria might pair Vènis Sauvignon Blanc with seafood antipasti, grilled asparagus risotto, or a classic fritto misto. Enjoy it with Thai green curry, Vietnamese spring rolls, nori sushi, or your favorite Asian take-out for a more globally inspired treat.