Breganze is an ancient viticultural center in the Vicenza province of Veneto, north-eastern Italy. The area's Breganze DOC, awarded in 1969, covers red (rosso) and white (bianco) wines, and the well-respected Torcolato.
The Breganze growing area is located in Veneto's viticultural no-man's land. It is entirely distinct, stylistically and geographically, from every other Veneto DOC. Breganze town itself lies precisely 33 miles from Treviso to the east and Verona to the west, almost as if to reinforce its distinction from the Prosecco and Valpolicella/Soave zones respectively.
A wide range of varietal wines are made under the Breganze DOC title, from a combination of local and international grape varieties. The reds are Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), Marzemino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of these comes in a higher-quality riserva form, for which the wine must come from vineyards managed to lower yield tolerances and be aged for at least two years before commercial release. The white Breganze varietals are Vespaiolo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and Tocai (now named Tai to avoid confusion with the famous sweet wines of Tokaj).
Standard Breganze Rosso is made from a base of Merlot (at least 50%), while its bianco counterpart is based on Tai (also a required minimum of 50%). These are typically produced in light, dry styles, not so much out of choice but because the climate in this part of Italy is particularly cool and the growing season correspondingly short.
See below for more information about Breganze Torcolato.
