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117-814: Part of the Lessinia territory constitutes the Lessinia Regional Nature Park . It is bordered to the north by the Ronchi Valley and the Carega Group , to the east by the Leogra Valley, to the south by the course of the Adige River and the upper Veronese plain, and to the west by the Lagarina Valley . Its peaks reach an altitude between 1,500 and 1,800 m above sea level. From the earliest times Lessinia saw

234-427: A humid temperate one, sometimes tending to sub-Mediterranean climate allowing cultivation of olive trees, which extends from the foothills to about 700 m above sea level, a subsequent fresh temperate one between 700 m and 1 500 m, and finally a cold temperate one beyond 1 500 m. Average temperatures range between 5 °C and 13 °C with an average decrease of about 0.5 °C for every 100 m of altitude gained. The coldest month

351-413: A body specifically tasked with its management was created, in compliance with a new regional law. In 2020, five municipalities proposed to cut the park's area by 2,000 hectares, claiming that the park imposed excessive restrictions and bureaucracy on agricultural activities; the proposal was approved by the regional council of Veneto , but dropped following massive protests by environmentalists, including

468-613: A channel of beams for plants to slide down. Enclosed on the north by the deep and wild Val di Ronchi and the majestic Carega Group , bounded on the east by the Val Leogra, on the southeast by the hills of Monteviale , on the southwest by the course of the Adige and the upper Veronese plain, and on the west by the Val Lagarina , it is almost a unit in itself within the Venetian Prealps . It

585-556: A church; Valdiporro also has a church and several districts appear nearby; as well as the territories of Saline, Tavernole, Alcenago, Lugo, Azzago, and Romagnano. Due to the privileges granted by the Serenissima and the period of relative peace, between the 14th and 16th centuries the population of Lessinia grew steadily at the same time as additional activities, such as pastoralism and agriculture, in addition to traditional coal production and wood gathering, became established. Despite this,

702-493: A comparable quantity of grapes would fetch for basic Valpolicella production. This sparked renewed interest in planting vineyards in the high altitude hillside locations that produced lower yields of grapes better suited for Amarone production. In the 21st century, the reputation of Valpolicella wines continued to expand on the world's wine market, as ambitious winemakers began to invest more in advanced viticultural and winemaking techniques that produce higher quality wines. In 2003,

819-405: A considerable spread of smuggling with the neighboring Tyrol , with which salt, tobacco, coffee, spices, sugar and alcohol were exchanged. Being a border territory, it was feared that Lessinia could be a theater of battles during World War I and thus it was fortified with trenches and military roads . The concerns, however, were not warranted and the plateau served only as a second line and as

936-424: A detrimental impact not only on the area's reputation in the international wine market but also on sales and prices. As winemaking became less profitable, the vineyards in the most labor-intensive areas (such as the hillsides in the classico zone) were uprooted and abandoned. This shifted the source of grape production even further away from the better quality producing hillside regions down to the fertile plains. In

1053-525: A group of settlers of German origin who had settled in the Vicentine plateau to settle in Lessinia in the area of today's Roverè Veronese and conferred on their two leaders, Olderico Vicentino and Olderico da Altissimo, the office of episcopal gastalds. This constituted the first nucleus of the Cimbrians of Lessinia . The reason that prompted the bishop to call this population was purely economic in nature, namely

1170-468: A large expansion of vineyard areas that were permitted to produce Valpolicella DOC wine, including land in the fertile plains of the Po River , which tend to produce large yields of grapes with varying qualities. Additionally, the grape composition for Valpolicella wines was expanded to include varieties of lower potential quality such as Molinara and Rondinella. This led to a general drop in quality, which had

1287-479: A lot of water and so she preferred to take the " lissia " to the place thus saving a lot of effort. One day the " pora " Maddalena went to the " Posso del Loo " to rinse her laundry and while she was intent on this work, a wolf came out of the woods and ate her. The Wolf ate only the right side of her body, not being able to touch the left side because her heart beats there. After this fact, the Municipality of Velo had

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1404-591: A marble quarry. The discovery on site of some materials such as tin and copper has suggested that local people engaged in trade with other localities outside Italy as well. Many of the objects found are now in the Paleontological and Prehistoric Museum of Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo and the Civic Museum of Natural History in Verona. Since before the beginning of Roman rule, which began between the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C.,

1521-526: A more complex civilization one must wait for the Copper Age , which saw the presence of man on the hills of Marcellise , at Ponte di Veja, on Mount Loffa, at Molina, and at Colombare of Negrar , where a hearth was found, probably used for ritual purposes. It is from the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C., at the height of the Iron Age , that the phenomenon of castellieri , small settlements of huts located in

1638-652: A number of springs , both temporary ones related to snow melt and rainfall, and permanent ones, which flow mainly at the outlet of the valleys between the upper and lower plains. The most notable ones are found on the Trentino side in the Ronchi valley, about 11 km long and crossed by the Ala stream, and in Val Bona, while on the other sides those in Val di Illasi and between Velo and Val di Mazzano are

1755-425: A period of extended maceration . The additional food source for the remaining fermenting yeast helps boost the alcohol level and body of the wines while also leaching additional tannins , glycerine and some phenolic compounds that contribute to a wine's complexity, flavor and color . As the production of Amarone has increased in the 21st century, so too has the prevalence of ripasso style wines appearing in

1872-424: A semicircle, fortified with dry-stone walls and placed on the top of the reliefs, is found in the area. Although only a few scattered traces of them remain in the surrounding area, some of them have been identified near Arbizzano (Negrar), Fumane , and Marano di Valpolicella . One of the best preserved, dating from the Iron Age , was found at Castel Sottosengia, near Breonio, which has now disappeared to make way for

1989-432: A symbolic march by 10,000 people in the territory of Bosco Chiesanuova , where the seat of the park is located. [REDACTED] Media related to Parco naturale regionale della Lessinia at Wikimedia Commons Valpolicella Valpolicella ( UK : / ˌ v æ l p ɒ l ɪ ˈ tʃ ɛ l ə / , US : / ˌ v ɑː l p oʊ l -, ˌ v æ l p oʊ l -/ , Italian: [ˌvalpoliˈtʃɛlla] )

2106-434: A training ground for soldiers while war activities were concentrated on nearby Mount Pasubio. With the end of hostilities , Trentino became Italian and therefore Lessina ceased to be a border territory. The already exhausted populations that resided there saw their living conditions worsen even more, so much so that there was heavy emigration, not only abroad, but also to neighboring territories. World War II did not involve

2223-571: Is Bocca di Selva. In early 2012, as a result of natural dispersal, the encounter and stabilization of two wolves belonging to different populations occurred: a male named Slavc belonging to the Dinaric population in dispersal from Slovenia , monitored with a radio collar as part of the European project "Life SloWolf," and a female belonging to the Italian population. The presence of these two wolves in Lessinia

2340-446: Is January, with average lows often below -1 °C, while the hottest period is between July and August when highs reach between 22 °C and 29 °C. Relative humidity is between 50% and 70%. Average precipitation around 850 mm is recorded at the valley floor, which increases significantly in a northerly direction. The lowest rainfall coincides with the months of January and February, and the secondary rainfall between July and September, with

2457-504: Is a viticultural zone of the province of Verona , Italy , east of Lake Garda . The hilly agricultural and marble-quarrying region of small holdings north of the Adige is famous for wine production. Valpolicella ranks just after Chianti in total Italian denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) wine production. The red wine known as Valpolicella is typically made from three grape varieties: Corvina Veronese , Rondinella , and Molinara . A variety of wine styles are produced in

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2574-532: Is a form of Valpolicella Superiore made with partially dried grape skins that have been left over from fermentation of Amarone or recioto . Winemaking in the region has existed since at least the time of the ancient Greeks . The name "Valpolicella" appeared in charters of the mid-12th century, combining two valleys previously thought of independently. Its etymology is likely from the Latin vallis pulicellae ("valley of river deposits"). Today Valpolicella's economy

2691-558: Is bordered to the west by the Bardolino DOC , located along the banks of Lake Garda , which produces similar wines to basic Valpolicella using many of the same grapes. The historical "heart" of Valpolicella winemaking is in the Monti Lessini hills located northwest of Verona. In 1968, the boundaries of the region were extended far eastward towards the DOC production zone of Soave and south to

2808-671: Is evidence of that process. With the fall of the Western Roman Empire there was a decrease in population in Lessinia and in the economic activities that took place there. In Lombard times many plots of Lessinia were given as a feudal benefit to the Arimannia , free men who were able to bear arms. With the end of the Lombard reign and the advent of the Carolingian age they became mere gastalds , that is, civil officials delegated to oversee

2925-521: Is furrowed by numerous valleys that descend from the high pastures and fan out toward Verona and the plain. Proceeding from west to east are the valleys of Fumane , Marano and Negrar (which together constitute a unit that has more historical than geographical character: the Valpolicella ) and then the Valpantena, Squaranto, Mezzane, d'Illasi, Tramigna, d'Alpone, Chiampo and Agno valleys. Its heights to

3042-455: Is heavily based on wine production. The region, colloquially called the "pearl of Verona", has also been a preferred location for rural vacation villas. Seven comuni compose Valpolicella: Pescantina , San Pietro in Cariano , Negrar , Marano di Valpolicella , Fumane , Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella and Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo . The Valpolicella production zone was enlarged to include regions of

3159-489: Is of extraordinary scientific interest and it is the first case - after the disappearance of the wolf in the Alps - that a pair of the species was formed with individuals belonging to two different populations: the Dinaric and the Italian populations. The wolf was present in the Alps until the end of the 19th century and, more sporadically, in the first decades of the 20th century. In Veneto the last wolf sightings date back to 1931 in

3276-646: Is permitted to attach its name to the wine is the Valpolicella Valpantena located in the valley located just east of Verona. Most of the wines produced under the Valpolicella DOC are red and usually contain a sizable amount of the area's most distinguished grape, Corvina . Other grapes used in the production of Valpolicella wine most often include Rondinella and Corvinone , but also Molinara , Rossignola , Negrara , Barbera , Sangiovese and Bigolona . A few producers are experimenting with reviving

3393-640: Is traversed by the Marano stream coming from Vajo Camporal and whose source is located at Mount Noroni. Further east, the 11-km-long Negrar di Valpolicella valley is traversed by the stream of the same name, which originates from the Fane stream and has as tributaries the Fiamene, Prun, Mazzano, San Ciriaco, Sieresol, Pozzetta, Quena and Cancello streams, among others. In the lowlands, the Negrar and Marano streams join and then flow into

3510-677: The Adige River . Near the city of Verona, the Quinzano stream and the Avesa stream reach the plains, both of which then flow into the Adige. East of Verona is the great Valpantena valley, oriented north-south and extending for about 26 km with a catchment area of 150 km², ending in the north with a bifurcation that divides the Alta Valpantena from the Vajo dell'Anguilla. The stream of Valpantena, after passing through

3627-503: The Belluno area (Fossa, 1988), while in Lessinia the species seems to have disappeared in the first half of the 1800s (Garbini, 1898) , with sporadic isolated presences recorded in 1880 (Benetti, 2003). The wolf in Lessinia is historically linked to the socio-cultural traditions of the Cimbrian population, as attested by toponyms, fables, legends, proverbs and idioms dedicated to this animal. In

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3744-539: The Carolingian age , until the advent of the communal age , much of Lessinia was under the control of the Veronese Church, a dominion that went into crisis with the rise of the wool merchants of which the Della Scala family , future lords of Verona , were the city exponents. In 1287, Bishop Bartolomeo della Scala allowed a group of settlers of German origin to settle in the area of present-day Roverè Veronese , forming

3861-573: The Frizzolana at the expense of the canons of the cathedral. In 1375 they founded at the parish of Valdiporro and later that of Erbezzo , eventually settling also in San Mauro di Saline , Velo Veronese , Camposilvano, and Selva di Progno . Their rapid expansion was slowed only by the Black Death , which struck all of Europe without sparing Lessinia, which suffered a significant population decline. When

3978-666: The Via Claudia Augusta , which connected northern Europe to the Po Valley , and the Via Postumia , which, starting from Liguria , extended to the empire 's easternmost borders. The passage of these fundamental routes, which joined in the city of Verona, made the area strategically very important. Their presence also influenced the Lessinian hill territory where secondary routes were built that joined them. At that time Lessinia, part of

4095-574: The annexation of Veneto to the Kingdom of Italy were very hard on the population, which experienced famine and epidemics. Spared from the tragic events of World War I and World War II , the end of the 20th century was characterized by a gradual depopulation of the Lessinian municipalities in favor of emigration to the city. Historical names used in Veronese documents for this territory are Luxino , Lixino , Lesinio , Lissinorum and Lissinia , always with

4212-490: The county of Valpolicella was born, which would enjoy greater freedom and various tax breaks, prerogatives it would retain for several centuries even after the end of Scaliger rule. The territory of Valpantena belonged largely to the canons of the cathedral. Through the 921 will of the bishop of Verona Nokterio one learns that in Marzana there was a castle cum turribus et omnibus in circuito municionibus suis and that another

4329-662: The indigenous grape Oseleta in Valpolicella. The wines are produced in a wide variety of styles ranging from basic nouveau table wines, full-bodied red wines, sweet dessert wines and even sparkling spumante . The most basic Valpolicella are light-bodied and often served slightly chilled. They have many characteristics similar to a Beaujolais wine and are often noted for their sour cherry flavor. While full-bodied recioto and Amarone styles reach alcohol levels of 15–16%, most Valpolicellas have more moderate alcohol levels around 11%. For wines labeled Valpolicella Superiore

4446-498: The spotted redshank . Tourism related to nature and in particular birdwatching is also gradually developing in Lessinia, due to the presence of numerous alpine species such as the golden eagle , rock thrush or dipper . Recently, it is possible to see in winter a species that is uncommon in Italy, such as the snow bunting , which has brought many photographers and birdwatchers to Lessinia. The prime spot to observe this arctic passerine

4563-478: The 1980s and 1990s, the Amarone wines of Valpolicella experienced a spike in popularity on the world's wine market. Production of Amarone jumped from 522,320 US gallons (19,772 hectoliters ) in 1972 to 1.2 million gallons (46,500 hl) by 1990. By 2000 Amarone production grew to over 3.9 million gallons (148,000 hl). By this point, the price for grapes destined for Amarone production was nearly three times higher than what

4680-433: The 19th century was not easy for the population of Lessinia: severe famines associated with unemployment led many people to emigrate abroad. The most widespread activities among the poor resident population were limited to livestock farming, cheese production and, in the central and eastern area, coal production; ice mining was also widespread and took place in the typical icehouses . The difficult living conditions also led to

4797-626: The 8th century AD, the Republic of Venice was long a vital trading port in the Mediterranean , linking the Byzantine Empire with the rest of Europe. Merchants records shows that one of the items regularly traded through Venice was local wines produced in Verona province in the hills west of Venice. During the 15th and 16th century , struggles with the Ottoman Turks led to frequent blockades of

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4914-554: The Alpone torrent flows for about 32 km, which, originating at Mount Purga, ends its course in the Adige 7 km after passing through San Bonifacio . Finally, in the province of Vicenza , the Val del Chiampo extends for about 31 km entirely traversed by the Chiampo torrent, which also ends in the Adige after adding to its waters, originating at 1650 m above sea level, those of numerous streams. Climatically, Lessina can be divided into three belts:

5031-520: The Cà Verde area was an exception. Among the fauna of the time could be found cave bears , wolves , hyenas and various steppe rodents. Studies have suggested that in the Upper Paleolithic the populations settled in lower Lessinia lagged behind in terms of civilization compared to more general models. The artistic testimonies and complex artifacts dating from this period are scarce. To find signs of

5148-450: The DOC regulations were adjusted to eliminate mandatory blending requirements for sub-quality grapes such as Molinara. At the end of 2009, the production of both Amarone and recioto dessert wines in the Valpolicella zone received Italy's highest quality wine designation as a DOCG zones. The Valpolicella region has mostly a mild to cool continental climate that is influenced by its proximity to two sizable bodies of water- Lake Garda to

5265-426: The DOC requirement. Some producers are experimenting with international varieties and producing dry Amarone style wines from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon . In the late 20th century, a new style of wine known as ripasso (meaning 'repassed') emerged. With this technique, the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of recioto and Amarone are added to the batch of Valpolicella wines for

5382-471: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies. The phenomenon of karstification typical of the limestone rocks that form Lessinia has made its hydrographic network highly articulated and varied, characterized by a great ramification of streams that during the glacial and quaternary periods have contributed to carve out the stream valleys that make up the territory. Throughout the plateau there are

5499-561: The Valpantena and Valpolicella departed the aqueducts that supplied the city of Verona. A hypogeum from the late imperial period has been found at Santa Maria in Stelle. Beginning in the 4th century the Christianization of the people living in Lessinia began to take place; the burning of the temple of Minerva that stood in Marano (where the sanctuary of Santa Maria di Valverde stands today)

5616-536: The Valpolicella area is not precisely known. The tradition of using partially dried grapes (seen today in the modern Valpolicella wines of Amarone) was known as the "Greco" or "Greek style" of winemaking, with its origins likely dating back to this period. In the 6th century AD, the Roman writer Cassiodorus notes that the sweet wines of the area were favorites in the courts of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy. Since

5733-560: The Venetian ports, limiting the amount of available export wines from the Greek isles and abroad. This further stimulated the development of domestic vineyards for the Venetians, who pushed even further into the hills of the Verona and the Valpolicella region. The 19th century brought a series of calamities to most wine-producing regions including the phylloxera epidemic , oidium , downy mildew and

5850-451: The Veronese countryside, was almost entirely occupied by forests for the lower part ( Frizzolana and Selva veronensis ) while the plains higher up ( Lessinium ) were used for summer grazing. In addition to grazing activities, in Lessinia the gathering of herbs, berries, mushrooms, firewood and timber for construction was practiced. From the quarries white and reddish limestone was extracted, widely used for town buildings. Despite this, much of

5967-421: The ability to collect taxes. With the advent of the communal age , there was a repopulation of the area with Grezzana, elevated to a parish seat, being the most important center. Fiscally, the valley was organized into a colonate while jurisdictionally into a captaincy . This new political order had repercussions on the territory, which saw the gradual abandonment of the castles until all traces disappeared, with

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6084-515: The administrative structure of the area: the borders changed several times and the bureaucratic apparatus went through simplifications. The presence of troops in the Lessinian villages was numerous and often frowned upon by the population. With the intention of learning more about the people who lived there, the French conducted two censuses and studied the spread of the Cimbrian language , ascertaining that it

6201-407: The amount of grapes grown in the fertile plains that could be used in Amarone production. Another measure was the 2003 removal of Molinara from the list of mandatory blending grapes. Amarone is unique in the wine world. Typically very alcoholic, full-bodied and ripe-tasting wines are produced in very warm climate regions, where the grapes are able to build up large amounts of sugar while ripening on

6318-506: The area was inhabited by various peoples of Rhaetian origin, including the Arusnates . At that time the plateau was almost entirely occupied by forests for the lower part, while the esplanades higher up were used for summer grazing. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory went through a noticeable demographic decline, which was not interrupted until the early 11th century. From

6435-491: The area, including a recioto dessert wine and Amarone , a strong wine made from dried grapes . Most basic Valpolicellas are light, fragrant table wines produced in a novello style, similar to Beaujolais nouveau and released only a few weeks after harvest . Valpolicella Classico is made from grapes grown in the original Valpolicella production zone. Valpolicella Superiore is aged at least one year and has an alcohol content of at least 12 percent. Valpolicella Ripasso

6552-690: The barrels are older and essentially "neutral", in that they do not impart much flavor or wood tannins, but in the late 20th and early 21st centuries more Amarone producers have been experimenting with the use of smaller new oak barrels that introduce more oak flavoring to the wine. Amarones are rich, full-bodied wines with flavor and aroma notes that are often compared to the flavors of Port wine . The wines often have notes of mocha , bitter-sweet dark chocolate , raisin, dried fig and earthy flavors. At restaurants sommeliers will often recommend food and wine pairings for Amarone with hearty, heavy dishes such as meat roasts . A classic after-dinner assortment

6669-573: The built-up area of Borgo Venezia, flows into the Adige west of San Michele Extra. Further east, from Cima Trappola originates the Vajo Squaranto, which joins the Vajo Illasi after receiving several tributaries including the Fibbio and Marcellise streams, at San Martino Buon Albergo and then terminates in the Adige before Belfiore . The Val d'Illasi, with its 22 km, bisects the Lessinia plateau going all

6786-602: The earliest times; the ease with which flint could be found for the production of objects, the availability of many caves and rock shelters, and other economic and security-related reasons were the factors that led various prehistoric communities to settle there. The earliest evidence dates back to the Lower Paleolithic and demonstrates human presence in several localities, including Riparo Soman, Ponte di Veja, Villa (Quinzano), Cà Verde ( Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella ), and Fumane Cave . Also in Quinzano, numerous remains from

6903-439: The ecclesiastical entities to cede, either by lease or by pure alienations, many of their Lessinia territories in favor of the wealthy city families engaged in the wool industry. This was affirmed with the seizure of power by the Della Scala seigniory , long involved in the wool trade, who little by little succeeded in controlling the city's religious institutions by effectively taking possession of their mountain funds. These were

7020-561: The exclusion of August when intense convective activity results in increased rainfall. The highest rainfall occurs in the months of October and November, while there is a secondary highest one between April and June. Snow , which is more frequent in the central and eastern zone, occurs in the winter months between December and mid-February, not exceeding 80 centimeters on average. Climate tables for Velo Veronese (at 1 074 m a.s.l.) and Grezzana (at 267 m a.s.l.) are given as examples: The dominant winds blow from west to east while those from

7137-509: The exclusion of that of Montorio because of its strategic position. At that time, the upper Lessinia was divided into Frizzolana, which included the wooded belt located between about 900 and 1200 meters and owned by city ecclesiastical bodies; the Silva Communis Veronae , located between 1200 and 1400 and belonging to the municipality of Verona, which disposed several laws for the collection of wood to prevent impoverishment; and Lessinio,

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7254-459: The extending lobes that appear as "ears" at the top of a grape cluster . The exposed grapes on the "ears" usually receive the most direct sunlight and become the ripest grapes on the cluster. Historically these very ripe "ears" were picked separately and used to make very rich, sweet wines. Today the method for making recioto has evolved to include the use of whole grape clusters . Grapes destined for Recioto della Valpolicella are often grown in

7371-496: The first nucleus of the Cimbrians of Lessinia . With the devotion of Verona to Venice in 1404, the plateau also came under the rule of the Serenissima , which proceeded to grant the inhabitants various privileges in exchange for guarding the northern border. The arrival of Napoleon brought about major changes in the administrative structure of the area, some of which were maintained by subsequent Austrian rule. The years following

7488-425: The grapes are then concentrated by a process of desiccation where they are kept in special drying rooms for anywhere from three to four months. During this time over a third of the water is removed as the grapes shrivel into raisins . This method (known as passito ) produces more concentrated grapes that still maintain the acid balance of a cool-climate grape. Amarones differ from other late harvest wines in that

7605-440: The growth of the industrial and service sectors in the valley caused some of the typical activities of the mountains to disappear so much so that the many residents ended up moving to the city, abandoning the ancient districts that ended up being completely uninhabited. In contrast to this, beginning in the 1960s and in the larger towns, new residences began to be built that were used by citizens as second homes for vacationing and, at

7722-410: The high levels of sugars in the wine completely into alcohol. The first completely dry Amarones that were commercially marketed were the 1953 vintages produced by Bolla and Bertani . In 2009, the production of Amarone wine in the Valpolicella zone achieved DOCG status. During the petitioning process, the wine producers in the region established several quality control regulations including quotas on

7839-416: The high-altitude pastures largely owned by secular landowners or monasteries and where wool was produced, a key element in the Verona economy at that time. During the thirteenth century in Verona the art of wool came to be established as one of the most important city economic institutions, and as a result the upper Lessinia took on the role of a strategically crucial area for sheep grazing. This situation led

7956-528: The houses, even after necessary renovations, have often been maintained with stone, with the ever-present fireplace inside and massive wooden beams to support the upper floors. Stone was, in addition, used for boundary walls, wash houses, and when carved it was transformed into crosses and religious shrines often depicting the Passion of Christ or the Virgin Mary . Also widespread were the icehouses . Now abandoned,

8073-410: The inhabitants of this territory. For example, the inhabitants of Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo were allowed to carry out grazing and wood-gathering activities as long as they ensured armed control of the paths that led toward the border with the bishopric of Trent . To benefit the area, moreover, the Serenissima promoted the construction of a road, known as " della Selve Lessinee ," that crossed the territory of

8190-561: The lands of the new feudal lords, who were mostly ecclesiastical bodies from the abbey of St. Columbanus of Bobbio and the court of the Priory of the monastery of St. Columbanus of Bardolino and Verona, and in particular the cathedral chapter , the monastery of San Zeno , the monastery of Santa Maria in Organo and of Saints Nazaro and Celso . Toward the end of the early Middle Ages the territory appeared to be organized into parishes , of which

8307-475: The late 20th century, it was rarely noted on the wine label. There was also debate about whether it was even permitted to be included under DOC regulations. If it was mentioned at all it was relegated to the back label wine description notes. Today the term ripasso is freely permitted to be used, with several examples on the wine market labeled as being made in the ripasso style. In late 2009, Ripasso della Valpolicella received its own DOC designation. While

8424-461: The later Riss-Würm interglacial period have been found, such as spearheads, axes, sickles, and fragments of human skull bones. Other Middle Paleolithic settlements have been found on the Torricelle , Monte Cucco, Monte Loffa and at Azzago. The findings, however, suggest that these were not true stable human settlements, as it turns out that they practiced a nomadic life, although it is assumed that

8541-400: The locality " Riserva di Buse di Sopra " (Municipality of Velo Veronese ) there is a stele bearing the following inscription: 1657 - CO - VELO - P - IL - CAS0 - FORD0 - DI - MADA - DE - LA - VALLE - 1655 . Near this is a well and a watering hole for watering grazing cattle, called the " Posso del Loo " and the " Possa del Loo ," respectively. About the erection of this stele and the naming of

8658-512: The malnourished population. Following the Third War of Independence , Lessinia was annexed by Italy and again became a borderland with the Austrian Empire . Therefore, numerous military defensive buildings were built, such as Fort Masua on Mount Pastello , Fort San Briccio, Fort Santa Viola above Azzago, and Fort Monte Tesoro. The network of carriage roads was also strengthened. The second half of

8775-537: The meaning of "land used and prepared for pastures." The earliest known document in which the term appears is a deed dated May 7, 814, in which the gastald Ildemanno of Verona donated " campo meo in Luxino ad Alpes facienda, una cum capilo pasquo " to the Veronese monastery of Santa Maria in Organo . It may also have originated from the Veronese dialect word le sime , i.e., peaks, or from the Venetian lisso or lissio , i.e.,

8892-605: The most ideally situated hillside vineyards. Recioto can trace its origins to winemaking techniques of the ancient Greeks ; the grapes are taken to special drying rooms where they are allowed to desiccate , concentrating the sugars inside the grape. While recioto is typically sweet, with high levels of residual sugar , the must can be allowed to ferment completely dry . Often producers will label this wine as Amarone, but they may also choose to produce it as Valpolicella DOC wine or even an indicazione geografica tipica (IGT) table wine if they choose to use grape blends outside

9009-558: The most important were those of Grezzana , San Floriano, San Martino in Negrar , Arbizzano and Montorio , Santa Maria in Tregnago, and San Giovanni in Loffa, the latter probably the oldest in western Lessinia. In the 10th century there were at least three sculdasci placed to oversee areas of particular strategic interest. A document dated May 7, 814 mentions the term "Lessinia" for the first time. On

9126-420: The most mountainous part, above 800 m above sea level. In these contexts, the use of stone by taking advantage of the great availability of such material through quarries, compared to the more scarce availability of construction timber, has given rise to a peculiar feature. The dry-stone walls and the roofs of the houses are composed of stone slabs, reflecting the type of construction of the many huts. The floors of

9243-471: The most substantial. Below is a list of the main watercourses present in Lessinia starting from the west and going eastward. At Fumane transits the progno of the same name (a term in Veronese dialect for a stream), which after originating from Mount San Giovanni and Mount Loffa travels about 14 km of the Progni valley receiving water from numerous tributaries. The Marano di Valpolicella valley, just 7 km long,

9360-506: The most well-known and well maintained is that of Grietz, circular in shape, on the road connecting Bosco Chiesanuova with San Giorgio. Lessinia Regional Park The Lessinia Regional Park ( Italian : Parco naturale regionale della Lessinia ) is a nature reserve in Veneto, Italy. Established in 1990, it covers the northern part of the Lessinia region, in the Venetian Prealps , between

9477-405: The need for labor for the production of charcoal and lumber at lower costs than that which was imported from Trent. Several benefits were granted to this early community, such as exemption from military service, payment of taxes and the right to choose their own parish priest ( jus patronatus ). In the early years of the next century they came to colonize, with the assent of Cangrande della Scala ,

9594-583: The north are largely stopped by the major elevations. There are a number of minor currents and breezes that go from low to high, resulting in condensation and cloud formation in the higher areas. Lessinia has a medium level of seismicity . However, the seismic phenomena that are encountered are not attributable to volcanic causes but rather to the northward advance of the Apennine chain , which results in compression and dislocation of crustal rock masses. Therefore, these are superficial interplate earthquakes affecting

9711-452: The numerous buildings of a religious character that appeared almost everywhere in the Lessinian territory: small churches, capitals, steles, small chapels placed at crossroads, all of which are manifestations of the inhabitants' religious devotion that still adorn the landscape today. When Napoleon 's troops settled in Lessinia as a result of the Peace of Pressburg in 1805, great changes began in

9828-617: The other hand, the name Valpolicella ( Valle Pulliscella ), the area comprising the southwestern part of Lessinia, appears for the first time in a decree of Frederick Barbarossa dated August 24, 1177, in which the emperor granted to the Congregation of the Clergy the lands around the Castrum Rotaris in the surroundings of today's Kastelruth : this has nothing to do with the Dolomite locality of

9945-558: The park is the peak of Monte Zevola , 1,976 meters above sea level. Agroforestry and silvopasture have played an important role in shaping Lessinia, with much of its territory consisting of pastures – among the most extensive pasturages in the Italian Alps . Cows, sheep (including the Brogna , a breed unique to Lessinia), goats and horses are bred in the region. The park's flora consists of hornbeams , oaks and chestnuts in

10062-461: The plains of the northern bank of the Po river and the Adige. Today the original zone is known as Valpolicella Classico zone and may duly noted on the wine labels of wines produced completely from grapes grown in this area. Today over 40% of all wine production in Valpolicella takes place in the classico zone, with an estimated yearly production of 12.2 million gallons (460,000 hl). Another sub-zone that

10179-510: The plaque made to remind passersby to say a "requiem for that poor woman." The belief, still widespread in the Camposilvano area, that wolves could not feed on the left side of the human body, certainly arose from this case." The presence of wolves in Lessinia is still controversial today, as it often divides city public opinion between those who view this presence positively and in favor of the proper maintenance of biodiversity, and those who see

10296-519: The plateau any further, which, however, was occupied by the Wehrmacht after 1943. The most significant event was a fire set by German soldiers in the upper Alpone valley in retaliation for an action carried out by partisans against the occupying troops. When the war ended, the subsequent economic miracle that swept Italy was not enough to put a stop to the depopulation of the higher and more remote areas of Lessinia. The introduction of new technologies and

10413-515: The political upheaval of the Risorgimento . According to the 1889 writings of the French wine historian Dr. C. B. Cerletti , one of the few Italian wine regions to emerge from this period relatively unscathed was Valpolicella. In the 1950s, the "Amarone" style of winemaking was rediscovered. In 1968, the Valpolicella region received official recognition for quality wine production when it was granted its own DOC. However, with DOC recognition also came

10530-573: The population still lived in severe economic straits, so much so that corn was almost exclusively the only food available. As the population grew, new settlements began to be built. Abandoning the old wooden dwellings, the inhabitants of Lessinia began to use red Verona marble , which was readily available locally and which was processed into regular slabs and was successfully exploited. Buildings dedicated to various activities were also constructed, such as baiti and caseare for milk processing, icehouses and kilns to obtain quicklime . Worthy of mention are

10647-773: The power of the Scaligeris ended and after a brief interlude under the rule of the Visconti and the Carraresi , with the devotion of Verona to Venice in 1404 Lessinia also became a territory of the Serenissima and remained so until its fall, except for the period of the War of the League of Cambrai . The need to rely on loyal populations residing near the borders led the Venetian Republic to confirm and expand rights and privileges already granted to

10764-493: The presence of Botrytis cinerea is actively discouraged, as winemakers attempt to avoid the smoky, mouldy flavors that come with botrytized wine . Extra care is taken in the vineyard to ensure that the grapes are kept dry and harvested before rot can develop. The Amarones are then aged for several years, with many premium examples being aged for at least five years prior to release. They are often aged in large wooden barrels of either Slavonian or French oak . Traditionally

10881-460: The presence of man, who could easily find flint there and take refuge in its many caves and shelters. The spread of castellieri , small fortified settlements placed on the top of the hills, of which only a few traces remain now scattered throughout the territory, dates back to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. Before the arrival of the Romans , which occurred between the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C.,

10998-475: The presence of wolves as a major problem because of the large predation on farm animals. In Lessinia, 11 city councils voted unanimously in 2014 on municipal resolutions calling for the total relocation of the predator to other areas and the abandonment of the Life Wolfalps project. Of particular interest are the small villages, surrounded by their dozens of contrade, comprising from two up to fifty dwellings, in

11115-470: The provinces of Verona and Vicenza . It is both a Special Protection Area and a Site of Community Importance . The park stretches over 10,000 hectares in the territory of fifteen municipalities, thirteen of which belong to the province of Verona and the remaining two to the province of Vicenza ; it encompasses all the mountains of the province of Verona, between 1,200 and 1,900 meters above sea level, except for Monte Baldo . The highest point of

11232-559: The region in the first half of the 19th century, made their return in 2012, when Slavc , a male wolf coming from Slovenia , formed a breeding pair with Giulietta, a female coming from farther west in the Italian Alps; Giulietta gave birth to at least 42 wolves over the next decade, heavily contributing to the reintroduction of the species in the Eastern Alps . The park was managed by the mountain community of Lessinia until 2019, when

11349-501: The region range from morainic gravel near Lake Garda to more dolomite residual gravel with alluvial deposits in the fertile central plains. Towards the east and near the Soave DOC are several areas featuring volcanic soils . The most favorably situated vineyards are located in the Monti Lessini foothills in the classico zone where the grapes ripen at altitudes between 490 to 1,500 feet (150–460 metres). The Valpolicella zone

11466-495: The rocky belt located between 20 and 25 km deep. The Illasi valley, which is characterized by a system of faults extending in a north and south direction, is the one at greatest risk and which recorded several telluric events in the late 19th century, most notably the earthquake of June 7, 1891. Likewise, the piedmont portion immediately north of the city of Verona has been the subject of numerous earthquakes throughout history. The Lessinia territory appears to have been inhabited since

11583-548: The same name, since it is instead a hamlet of San Pietro in Cariano (VR). Again Barbarossa the following year gave comital rights over land and villas in the area to Count Sauro of the Sambonifacio family. However, administratively Valpolicella had no recognition until the communal age when a "colonel" was established with partial autonomy, having to accept a captain from Verona when the need arose. In 1311 with Federico della Scala,

11700-456: The same time, the phenomenon of highland tourism was born. In Lessinia, 170 species have been observed from 2006 to 2012, ranging from the most common ones such as various turdids, finches and titmice, to those more usual in the alpine environment such as capercaillie , black grouse , golden eagle , wallcreeper and dipper , and the more atypical ones such as black stork , black-winged stilt , cormorant , grey heron , egret , garganey or

11817-429: The style of Amarone has existed in the region for centuries, it was very rarely made as a deliberate wine style. Mostly it was produced in warm vintages when batches of wines destined for sweet recioto were unintentionally allowed to ferment completely dry. The modern concept of Amarone has its roots in the early 1950s when producers "rediscovered" the style and began deliberately using yeast strains that could ferment

11934-458: The surrounding plains when Valpolicella achieved DOC status in 1968. In December 2009, the production of Amarone and recioto dessert wines within the Valpolicella DOC received their own separate denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG) status. Viticulture has been used in the Veneto region since at least the time of the ancient Greeks , though the exact period of cultivation for

12051-540: The territory of Lessinia was inhabited by various populations of Rhaetian origin. A separate mention should be made of the ancient inhabitants of Valpolicella , the Arusnates , whose Rhaetian or Etruscan origin is debated; this population enjoyed special administrative autonomy even after the arrival of the Romans by forming the Pagus Arusnatium . Two of the most important Roman roads converged on Verona's territory,

12168-405: The territory was uninhabited. There were, therefore, few signs left by the Romans, especially in the higher areas, who limited themselves to guarding the accesses, leaving the locals with the power to organize themselves administratively. At San Mauro di Saline there was a cart road that went up the ridge and was used for the transhumance to the heights of goats and sheep. At Velo Veronese there

12285-428: The valleys, beeches and pines at higher elevations, and alders , mountain pines and rhododendrons at the highest altitudes. The fauna includes red deer , roe deer , chamoises , marmots , foxes, European hares , golden eagles , Eurasian eagle-owls , Western capercaillies , black grouses , hazel grouses , snow buntings , Alpine newts , and fire salamanders . Wolves , which had become extinct in

12402-534: The vicariate of Valpantena to head toward Lugo, Belloro and Lughezzano. The oldest cartographic depiction of Lessinia appears in a map from 1440, called the Almagià map, where a large part of the Veronese territory is drawn. In that document it is easy to recognize, among other settlements, Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo with the localities of Cona and Cerna, both with their respective churches, and the area of Selva surrounded by woods; Bosco Chiesanuova appears with many buildings and

12519-416: The vine . Examples of warm climate regions include parts of Australia , California and southern Italy. The Valpolicella region is characterized as a "cool climate region" where acid levels are usually maintained and sugar build occurs more slowly in the vine. Grapes destined for Amarone are the last grapes in Valpolicella to be harvested, getting as ripe as they can before mold and rot set in. The sugars in

12636-428: The water deposits the following is what was told by the grandmother of one of the writers, A. Benetti: "In the contrada "Valle della Ba" (Camposilvano) there lived in ancient times a woman named Maddalena. In the contrada there were no wells from which to draw water and so the woman, when she was doing her " lissia " (laundry) would go all the way to the " Posso del Loo " (Wolf's Well). When she had to rinse it required

12753-503: The way into the Carega group . The valley is very narrow in its northernmost portions, recording just under 200 meters in width at Selva di Progno and then opening up at Illasi to about 3 km. Near Giazza a valley opens up in a westerly-easterly direction, the Fraselle valley traversed by the stream of the same name. The last major valley in the province of Verona is the Val d'Alpone in which

12870-662: The west and the Adriatic Sea to the southeast. The coolest regions are in the Monti Lessini foothills to the north, where cool winds blow southward from the Alps . This area is traditionally classified as the classico zone . Towards the south and east, the climate gets warmer in the fertile plains of the Adige river. The mean temperature in the growing season is usually around 74.5 °F (23.6 °C), with average rainfall around 34 inches (860 mm). The vineyard soils of

12987-729: The west fall within the Venetian Pre-Alps, with peaks between 1,500 and 1,800 m, and the Carega group to the northeast (which exceeds 2,200 m). In contrast, the central range is between 1000 and 1300 m. Some of the peaks include: Corno d'Aquilio, Monte Tomba, Cima Trappola. The landscape of the High Pastures of Lessinia has been officially recognized as an agrarian landscape and included in the National Register of Historic Rural Landscapes, prepared by Decree No. 17070 of November 19, 2012, of

13104-400: The wine market, with most Amarone producers also producing a ripasso as a type of " second wine ". An alternative method is to use partially dried grapes, instead of leftover pomace, which contain less bitter tannins and even more phenolic compounds. The first Valpolicella producer to commercially market a ripasso wine was Masi in the early 1980s. When the style first became popular in

13221-449: The wines must be aged a minimum of one year in wood and reach a minimum alcohol level of 12%. The sweet red dessert wine Recioto della Valpolicella was awarded its own separate DOCG status in 2010 and has been the style historically associated with the region. The name recioto , also made in neighbouring Soave and Gambellara regions with their own DOCG designations, comes from the local dialect recie , meaning " ears ", and refers to

13338-513: The years in which the so-called Potesteria Lissinorum came into being, which would find full development in the subsequent Venetian era , that is, the temporary jurisdiction over the population residing in the high-altitude pastures by, formally, the monastery of San Zeno, but in practice entrusted to the Della Scala family as feudal lords. On February 5, 1287, while Alberto della Scala was lord of Verona , Bishop Bartolomeo della Scala granted

13455-434: Was a military fort. The situation was different for the villages at the bottom of the valley in which, as a result of the centuriation of the 2nd century B.C., intense agricultural activity developed and where, at the same time, Roman villas arose whose owner, usually residing in the city, went there to administer his funds. Remains of some of them have been found in Negrar, Romagnano, Azzago, and Colognola ai Colli . From

13572-483: Was built in Grezzana. Others were built in later years; between the 10th and 11th centuries castra are documented at Poiano (built before 968), at Rocca di Lugo, at Azzago, at Romagnano, at Montorio and at Arbetu (present-day Erbezzo , mentioned in 1014). In the same years the cathedral chapter gained more and more power locally: a diploma of Otto II in 983 assigned some castles to it, while in 1027 Henry II granted it

13689-539: Was still spoken in Selva di Progno , Campofontana and Giazza . In addition, the first secular public schools were founded. These reforms continued with the subsequent Austrian rule that lasted between 1814 and 1866 when there was the annexation of Veneto to the Kingdom of Italy . During this period there was also the establishment of a free medical service designed mainly to contain any epidemics, of which pellagra , smallpox , and cholera were typical, claiming victims among

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