Arcole is a DOC of the Veneto wine region in north-eastern Italy. It covers a wide array of wine styles of all three colors, blends and varietals, and in dry, sweet and sparkling manifestations. Its focal point is the town of Arcole, in the Verona province, although the vineyards which produce Arcole wines radiate far out from the town itself. The official catchment area for the DOC spans more than 20 communes, spreading east from the edge of Verona city and spilling into the south-west of the Vicenza province. The Arcole viticultural area lies south-east of Veneto's white-wine centers Soave and Gambellara, and south-west of Vicenza town and the Colli Berici.
Before the creation of the Arcole DOC in September 2000, much of this area was largely untouched by a DOC or DOCG title. Now there are more than 30 possible forms of Arcole wine – from the whites of dry Arcole Bianco and varietal Blanc de Blancs-style Arcole Chardonnay Spumante to the reds of semi-sparkling Arcole Rosso Frizzante and earthy, meaty Arcole Carmenere Riserva.
To qualify for a varietal label, an Arcole wine must be made from at least 85% of the stated variety. White grapes deemed worthy of this singular treatment are Garganega, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Their red counterparts, which are more widely produced here, are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (used alone and in conjunction with Cabernet Franc under the collective title Arcole Cabernet) and Carmenere.
Arcole red wines qualify for the quality statement riserva if they satisfy several production criteria. First, they must come from vineyards managed to a lower yield than those which produce the standard wines, the idea being to promote greater concentration of sugars and flavors in the grapes. Second, they must achieve a final alcohol level of 12% alcohol by volume (instead of the 11% required for other reds). Finally, they must undergo a two-year ageing period prior to release, including at least three months in barrel.
At the other end of the spectrum from the riserva wines are the novello wines. These are youthful, fresh, fruit-driven cuvees designed for drinking within a couple of years of their vintage. They are released within a few months of harvest, and perform a similar role to the nouveau wines of Beaujolais.
