Wines of Lake Garda : Characteristics and Curiosities

Lake Garda also has a positive impact on the climate of the morainic hills region, acting as a thermal regulator, maintaining milder temperatures during the summer and helping to prevent early autumn frosts.

These climatic and morphological conditions promote the healthy development of the grapes, allowing for the production of superior white, red, and rosé wines, characterized by great freshness, excellent drinkability, and a unique minerality.

Today, more than ever, wine lovers from around the world choose to visit the Lake Garda wine region, offering local wine tastings and cellar tours that give you a closer look at these products, deeply rooted in their ancestral traditions while being distinctly modern.

In the heart of these morainic hills of Lake Garda, many authentic wine and food experiences are available year-round. This is especially true for experiences offered by Monte del Frà, such as traditional tastings, Grand Cru tastings, horseback riding in the vineyards, and much more !

CUSTOZA DOC WINE

Vineyards and Territory of Custoza DOC Wine

Made from the Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, and Cortese grape varieties, Custoza DOC wine is produced from vineyards located in the southeastern region of Lake Garda, more specifically in the characteristic morainic hills of the Veneto region.

Thanks to a temperate climate, influenced by the presence of Lake Garda, and soils rich in limestone and moraines (which are extremely low in nutrients but perfectly suited to viticulture), this unique and irreplaceable territory gives birth to wines with a distinct identity, marked by freshness, personality, and minerality.

Moreover, some micro-zones in this region are considered particularly favorable, as they are able to produce wines of exceptional quality and great aging potential, often made in limited quantities and awarded the "Custoza Superiore DOC" designation.

Vinification of Custoza DOC Wine

The Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, and Cortese grapes are harvested by hand around mid-September. Once they arrive at the cellar, they are carefully pressed at low temperatures.

Next comes cryomaceration, a technique used to extract aromas from the grape skins during the maceration phase (which occurs at low temperatures, typically around 0-5°C) and can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the producer's objectives.

The must is then fermented at low temperatures (for about 10 to 12 days) to preserve its fresh and fruity aromas (such as the characteristic notes of crisp peach, green apple, and tropical fruits). This step is crucial in ensuring that the Custoza DOC wine remains deeply connected to its identity and terroir.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is allowed to mature in stainless steel tanks before being bottled and released for sale.

Style and Pairings of Custoza DOC Wine

Originally from the Lake Garda region, Custoza DOC wine is a pale yellow white wine that reveals citrus, white flower, and white-fleshed fruit notes on the nose. On the palate, it is a fresh, vibrant, and balanced wine, perfect for enjoying as an aperitif or paired with light appetizers, Mediterranean seafood dishes, white meats, and street food.

Award-winning Custoza Doc Wine

LUGANA DOC WINE

Vineyards and Territory of Lugana DOC Wine

Lugana DOC is an iconic white wine from the region south of Lake Garda made exclusively from Turbiana grapes (also known as Trebbiano di Lugana). 

Thanks to the temperate climate, favored by the presence of Lake Garda, this area benefits from significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, promoting the slow and gradual ripening of the grapes, thus preserving their aromas and natural sugars, ideal for producing high-quality wines. Additionally, the soil in the region is characterized by clay and limestone terrains, rich in minerals, which impart an authentic identity to the wine.

It is in this unique and essential territory that fresh and captivating white wines are born, which, depending on the cultivation and vinification techniques, can even be suited for bottle aging. The exceptional terroir of Lugana contributes to creating elegant, high-quality wines that fully express the character of this region.

Vinification of Lugana DOC Wine

The vinification of Lugana DOC follows a process aimed at preserving the distinctive characteristics of the Turbiana grape and producing a fresh, complex, and balanced white wine.

The Turbiana grapes are hand-harvested between September and October, depending on the desired level of ripeness. Once they arrive at the cellar, they are carefully pressed to extract the must, which is then fermented at low temperatures to preserve its fresh and fruity aromas (such as the characteristic notes of white flowers, unripe apricot, along with hints of peach and almond).

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is allowed to mature in stainless steel tanks before being bottled and released for sale.

Style and Pairings of Lugana DOC Wine

Produced in the southern part of Lake Garda, Lugana DOC is a fresh and fruity wine white, characterized by its dominant floral notes, such as white flowers and jasmine, combined with fruity touches like crispy peach and almond.  It stands out thanks to its minerality and salinity, offering excellent balance on the palate. Ideal for summer dishes, it also makes a great aperitif by the glass. This iconic white wine of Lake Garda can be enjoyed as early as the year of production (to appreciate its freshness), but it also has excellent aging potential, developing complexity and depth over time.

Award-winning Lugana Doc Wine
Come taste the Lugana DOC at the estate

CHIARETTO DI BARDOLINO DOC WINE

Vineyards and Territory of Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC Wine

Made from native grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC rosé wine is produced from vineyards located in the region to the east of Lake Garda, nestled in the characteristic morainic hills just a short distance from the beautiful city of Verona.

Thanks to a temperate climate influenced by the presence of Lake Garda and soils rich in limestone and moraines (which are extremely low in nutrients but perfectly suited for growing these three native grape varieties), this unique and irreplaceable terroir gives birth to very fresh and exceptionally elegant rosé wines, with a strong identity and distinctive characteristics.

Vinification of Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC Wine

The vinification of Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC follows a process designed to preserve the unique characteristics of the native red grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, in order to produce a fresh, elegant, and harmonious rosé wine.

The grapes are hand-harvested at perfect ripeness, between September and the first half of October, and then carefully pressed to extract the must. The vinification, carried out using the direct pressing method, includes a short cold maceration with the skins for 24 hours. After that, a slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures helps preserve the fine aromas.

Style and Pairings of Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC Wine

Produced in the region to the east of Lake Garda, Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC is a pale rosé wine that captivates with its freshness, fruitiness, and unique character. It reveals notes of small red berries with a slight saline touch, standing out for its aromatic, mineral style and great elegance on the palate.

This famous rosé from Lake Garda is the perfect aperitif, but it also pairs perfectly with all kinds of summer dishes. It goes beautifully with cured ham, melon, a Caprese salad, vegetable or shrimp tempura, as well as vegetarian dishes. Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC is a young wine, ideal to enjoy within the year of its production.

Award-winning Chiaretto di Bardolino Doc Rosé Wine
Come taste this iconic rosé from Lake Garda at the estate

BARDOLINO DOC WINE

Vineyards and Territory of Bardolino DOC Wine

Made from the native grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, Bardolino DOC is a red wine from the eastern shores of Lake Garda, born in the morainic hills of Lake Garda, just a few kilometers from the beautiful city of Verona.

The territory of this prestigious appellation stands out for its limestone and clay soils, which give the wine a unique character and strong identity. The climate, regulated by the presence of Lake Garda, promotes optimal grape growth. Additionally, the surrounding morainic hills provide an excellent exposure to the sun and a good ventilation, creating ideal conditions for the cultivation of these red grape varieties.

It is thanks to this privileged environment that Bardolino DOC red wines are fresh, balanced, and fruity, increasingly captivating today’s wine enthusiasts.

Vinification of Bardolino DOC Wine

The vinification process of Bardolino DOC is designed to preserve the distinctive characteristics of the native grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. This results in a fresh, fruity, and vibrant red wine, with delicate notes of black pepper.

The grapes are hand-harvested at perfect ripeness, between September and the first half of October, and then carefully pressed to extract the must. The vinification includes a short cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by a slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks, in contact with the skins, at controlled temperatures.

Style and Pairings of Bardolino DOC Wine

Bardolino DOC is a fresh, light, and vibrant red wine, recognizable by its beautiful bright ruby color. It reveals fruity aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant, complemented by subtle notes of black pepper. On the palate, it stands out for its smoothness, balance, and pleasant drinkability.

This red wine from Lake Garda is highly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. It can be served on its own, slightly chilled as an aperitif, but it can also be paired with light appetizers, grilled white meats, and even pizzas.

Award-winning Bardolino Doc Red Wine
Come taste this renowned Red Wine from Lake Garda at the estate