Creating a wine list involves not only selecting the best labels while considering diners’ tastes but also  understanding the unique characteristics and value of the pertinent terroir – which can change over time. Knowing how to follow the evolution of each territory and grasp its positive changes is the task of  Mirco, the Sommelier at Hotel Tritone.  Mirco’s research and studies have led to a rich wine list with many great labels from the Euganean Hills. He himself tells us about it.

A HISTORICAL AND RECENTLY EVOLVING VITICULTURE

“Today restaurateurs and sommeliers can develop  a complete wine list with only the labels of the Euganean Hills,” explains Mirco. “This is because there are a variety of grapes, classic long-ageing methods, and niche wines”.

Viticulture in the Euganean Hills has very ancient origins: several historical documents prove that the Venetian Doges loved these vineyards, even if at the time the wines produced were very different from what they are now. Indeed, the quality we know today dates back only to the  last two generations of  winemakers.

A UNIQUE TERROIR

The production of Euganean Hills wines takes place at the  “Colli Euganei” Regional Park located in the centre of the Venetian plain. This terroir is not vast like other more famous surrounding areas (Valdobbiadene, Soave, Valpolicella) and, as explained by the Sommelier of the Hotel Tritone, it has a different qualitative history.

The peculiarities of this territory are unique: there are not only vineyards but also wooded areas, cherry trees, other fruit trees, and olive trees for the production of excellent extra virgin olive oil. There is respect for biodiversity here, and many local businesses work with  biodynamic certification. 

Furthermore, the soil  is highly diversified because the origin of the hills is both volcanic and submarine. The soil contains limestone and minerals which, together with the different altimetric positions and the different levels of exposure to the sun,  allow the cultivation of multiple vines.

THE WINES OF THE EUGANEAN HILLS

Red grapes include the Bordeaux classics, as well as Pinot Noir, Shirahz and Raboso.

There are also numerous white grapes such as Chardonnay, White Pinot. Sauvignon, Tai, Garganega, Pinella, Serprino, White Moscato, and Yellow Moscato. The latter is called Fior d’Arancio in the production area of the Euganean Hills; it is the only one to have the DOCG designation.  This wine is produced in dry, sweet sparkling and passito versions.

 There are also excellent rosé wines, which we have already discussed in this blog.   

The producers in the area are all medium-sized or small businesses and are all family-run. Despite this, for several years now they have been able to customize their products with excellent results: they participate in  regional and international competitions  and have won top awards and certifications.

Our cellar boasts a wide selection of wines from the Euganean Hills, so that each guest can savour the taste of our territory in its countless nuances. 

To taste the wines from our cellar and book your next stay at Hotel Tritone, you can write  here  or call (+39) 049 8668099