Arcole

Arcole

45° 20' 29" N

LATITUDE

11° 15' 37" E

LONGITUDE

0

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

The Arcole DOC, nestled in the Veneto region of northern Italy, is a picturesque wine-producing area renowned for its exceptional terroir and a rich history that dates back centuries. This DOC, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Valpolicella and Soave, has quietly been producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique characteristics of its environment.

The Arcole DOC benefits from a diverse and favorable microclimate. Its vineyards are perched on the southern slopes of the Monti Lessini, where the climate is influenced by both the Mediterranean and Alpine elements. The gentle rolling hills and well-drained soils provide an ideal setting for grape cultivation.

When it comes to grape varieties, Arcole DOC boasts a selection that showcases both red and white varietals. Among the most planted red grape varieties, Merlot takes center stage. Its deep, velvety character is well-suited to the region's climate and terrain. On the white side, the vineyards flourish with Chardonnay, Garganega, and Pinot Grigio. These white grapes thrive in the cooler nights and warm days, delivering wines with crisp acidity and vibrant flavors.

The Arcole DOC's commitment to preserving traditional winemaking practices, combined with its exceptional grape varieties and unique environment, has resulted in wines that embody the essence of this hidden gem in the Veneto region. Whether you're savoring a glass of Merlot or a refreshing Chardonnay, Arcole's wines offer a delightful taste of its terroir and culture.

Associations

49

Vineyard Hectares

7

WINERIES

-

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

The DOC Arcole is located in the Veneto region, and includes vineyards in the towns of Lonigo, Sarego, Alonte, Orgiano, Sossano, and Rovereto di Guà in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza. It also covers a small portion of the Verona-based communities of Caldiero, San Bonifacio, Soave, Colognola ai Colli, Monteforte, Lavagno, Pressana, Vago, and San Martino Buon Albergo. For those interested in exploring the richness and sophistication of Arcole wines, the Strada del Vino Arcole is a must-visit. This wine route advocates for the high-quality of wines produced within the Arcole DOC, offering a journey through a tapestry of vineyards, historic estates, and passionate winemakers dedicated to their craft.

The climate is distinctly continental, with winters being frigid and summers hot and muggy. Temperature-wise, the highest temperatures are often seen between the end of July and the beginning of August, while the lowest temperatures are typically experienced in January.

The Arcole wine region in Veneto, Italy, is characterized by clay-rich and limestone-based soils. These soils contribute to the distinctive mineral notes and excellent drainage properties, which are favorable for viticulture. The combination of clay and limestone provides the vines with essential nutrients while regulating water retention resulting in high-quality grapes and wines with balanced flavors.


Discover

Most Common Grapes in Arcole

The Arcole wine region is recognized for its balanced continental climate and mineral-rich soils, which together create an ideal environment for grape growing. The region’s vineyards benefit from a mix of clay and limestone soils, excellent drainage, and a climate marked by hot summers, cool winters, and significant day-night temperature swings. This terroir supports grapes like Merlot, Chardonnay, Garganega and Pinot Grifigio,with a focus on quality and traditional winemaking methods.

Most Common Red Grapes

Merlot: Merlot is the most widely planted red grape in Arcole, thriving in the region’s warm summers and cool winters. This variety requires full sun exposure-ideally 6 to 8 hours daily-and prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The clay-limestone soils of Arcole are particularly well-suited for Merlot, as they retain enough moisture for healthy growth while preventing waterlogging. Regular pruning and careful site selection are essential to ensure optimal fruit quality and vine health.

Most Common White Grapes

Chardonnay: Chardonnay is one of the leading white grapes in Arcole, favored for its adaptability and ability to express the region’s mineral-rich soils. This variety flourishes in areas with warm days and cool nights, which help preserve acidity and develop vibrant flavors. Chardonnay vines benefit from the excellent drainage provided by Arcole’s limestone and clay soils, and the grape’s versatility allows for a range of wine styles, from fresh and crisp to more complex and full-bodied.

Garganega: Garganega, an indigenous grape of the Veneto region, is highly valued for its ability to absorb and reflect the mineral qualities of volcanic and limestone soils. Its deep-rooting system seeks out essential nutrients and benefits from soils rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. Garganega thrives in Arcole’s subcontinental climate, with marked temperature variations between day and night, which enhance the grape’s aromatic complexity and freshness.

Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is another prominent white grape in Arcole, known for producing wines with crisp acidity and delicate fruit flavors. This grape performs best in well-drained soils and a climate with warm days and cooler nights, both of which are characteristic of the Arcole region. The grape’s sensitivity to terroir allows it to express the subtle mineral notes imparted by the local soils, resulting in wines that are both refreshing and expressive of their origin.

Most Common Wines of the Arcole Region

The Arcole wine region in Veneto, Italy, is celebrated for its diverse range of wines that reflect both the local terroir and traditional winemaking practices. Recognized as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) since 2000, Arcole produces a variety of styles-red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines-using both international and indigenous grape varieties. Each wine style offers a unique profile, making the region a destination for wine enthusiasts seeking both classic and innovative Italian wines.

  • Arcole Bianco (White): Made primarily from Garganega (minimum 50%), this wine is pale straw-yellow with greenish hues. It features mild floral aromas, delicate fruit notes, and a dry, harmonious palate with a slight bitterness. Bianco can also be found in semi-sparkling (frizzante) and sparkling (spumante) versions, offering refreshing acidity and elegance.
  • Arcole Rosso (Red): Composed of at least 50% Merlot, Arcole Rosso is ruby-red with subtle aromas of raspberry and violets. On the palate, it is dry, medium-bodied, and harmonious, with a smooth texture. Riserva versions are aged for at least two years, including a minimum of three months in wooden barrels, resulting in greater complexity and depth.
  • Arcole Rosato (Rosé): This bright, pale ruby-red wine is crafted mainly from Merlot (minimum 50%). It displays lively aromas of small red fruits and flowers, and offers a medium-bodied, balanced, and harmonious taste. Rosato is also available in semi-sparkling styles, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
  • Arcole Spumante (Sparkling): Produced with at least 50% Garganega, Arcole Spumante is straw-yellow with a fine, persistent perlage. The wine is characterized by delicate fruitiness and a refreshing, sapid palate, available in a range of sweetness levels from extra brut to sweet, catering to different preferences.
  • Arcole Passito Bianco (Dessert): This golden-yellow dessert wine is made from dried Garganega grapes (minimum 50%). It boasts intense, fruity aromas and a velvety, harmonious palate, often with hints of wood. The drying process concentrates the flavors, resulting in a full-bodied, semi-sweet to sweet wine ideal for special occasions.
  • Arcole Nero: A distinctive red wine made from at least 50% Merlot, with grapes dried for a minimum of 30 days before fermentation. Arcole Nero is deep ruby-red, tending towards garnet with age, and features pronounced aromas of vanilla, wood, and sometimes smoke. The palate is full, velvety, and warm, with notable structure and persistence. Riserva versions are aged for at least two years, enhancing their complexity.
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