# Venusa Bianco (2018)

- **Producer:** Venissa
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Dorona di Venezia
- **Region:** Veneto, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €45
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** wildflowers, quince

## About this wine

Venusa Bianco 2018 is an orange wine from Venissa, produced on the island of Mazzorbo in the Venetian lagoon. It is made from 100% Dorona di Venezia, an indigenous grape variety that was brought back from the brink of extinction by the estate. The vineyard's unique location, just meters from the water and at a very low elevation, results in saline-rich soils that impart a distinct character to the grapes. This 2018 vintage is notable as the first release of Venusa Bianco, a wine designed for freshness and drinkability, representing a significant effort in viticultural rejuvenation and the preservation of Venetian winemaking heritage.

## Interesting facts

- Dorona di Venezia grapes were nearly extinct before Venissa's revival efforts.
- The vineyard is located just 1 meter above sea level.
- This wine is the first release of Venusa Bianco.
- The soil is naturally enriched with organic matter and clay.

## Food pairing

The wine's juicy acidity and saline minerality cut through the richness of seafood and fried dishes, while its subtle texture complements delicate proteins. Herbal notes in the wine can echo those in the food.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Venusa Bianco 2018 begins with a manual harvest in early September. The grapes undergo a 10-day maceration on their skins with daily punch-downs, a technique that contributes to the wine's orange hue and textural complexity. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures (16-17°C) with selected yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in concrete vats, allowing it to develop and harmonize while retaining its fresh character. This approach emphasizes the purity of the Dorona di Venezia grape and the unique saline terroir of the Venetian lagoon.