A Territory Divided Between Several Regions

The Lake Garda wine territory extends over a lake area between the provinces of Brescia, Verona and Trento, straddling three regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. The climatic conditions are particularly suitable for wine-growing, which has been practised here since prehistoric times. In fact, archaeological excavations carried out at the sites of Peschiera, Pacengo, Cisano and Bardolino have uncovered remains of grape seeds dating back to the Bronze Age. During the Roman Age, many noble families cultivated vines in various rural villas along the lake shores. However, the first documented sources date back to the early Middle Ages and present Lake Garda's viticulture as a well-established phenomenon. This long-standing tradition has continued successfully up to the present day, and in recent decades has attracted a great deal of international attention, partly as a result of the strong attraction of tourists from all over the world.

The main factor that contributes to the success of wine-growing in this area is above all the ideal climate, mild and well tempered, which benefits from the favourable influence of the water mass in the lake. In winter, temperatures are less rigid than in the surrounding area and rainfall is reduced. The land forms a morainic amphitheatre of different geological formations: alluvial plains, hills and rivieras. In this environment not only vines, but also olive and citrus trees find ideal conditions for growth.

The Best Wines of Lake Garda

Some of the most famous Veneto and Lombardy wines are produced in this area:

• Lugana, in the southern area between the two regions from Turbiana or Trebbiano di Lugana grapes;
• Custoza, made from a blend of white grapes such as Garganega, Trebbiano, Trebbianello and others in the village of Sommacampagna, in the province of Verona;
• Bardolino wine obtained from red grapes such as Corvina and Rondinella in the south-eastern area of the lake basin;
• Chiaretto, a rosé wine interpreted in different ways from local red grapes;
• Valtenesi, a red and rosé wine made from red grapes, with a prevailing percentage of Groppello in the area of the same name in the province of Brescia.

Given the perfect climatic conditions, very different varieties of vines coexist in the area, both red and white, native and international. The grape variety that best represents this area is perhaps Groppello, an indigenous variety found only here, often used in combination with other varieties and made into red or rosé wine.

The Main Production Characteristics

Despite the diversity of the different expressions, Garda wine is characterised by a common and clearly distinguishable trait, identifiable in that very pleasant combination of delicacy and expressiveness. The mildness of the climate also influences the fruit of the grapes, which give life to very balanced, harmonious, immediate and light enological expressions. Typologies such as Bardolino, Chiaretto and Custoza are not particularly long-lived and, apart from exceptional cases, must be consumed within a year of their release. On the contrary, Lugana Riserva, very often aged in wood, shows good ageing potential and can mature positively in the bottle in just a few years.

These expressions offer multiple food pairing possibilities and are increasingly appreciated by international tourists during lunches, dinners or aperitifs on the lakeshore. Appetizers, cold cuts, salami and first courses are perfectly complemented by Bardolino and Groppello; fish dishes, chicken salads and fresh cheeses go perfectly with Lagana, while pizzas, focaccia, risottos or mushroom dishes require the elegance and freshness of Chiaretto. Many producers have succeeded in interpreting these types of wine in the best possible way, writing an important history of wine-growing in the Garda area and promoting new trends. Among these is the Ca' dei Frati winery, famous throughout the world for its Lugana, but not only. Cavalchina, Ottella, Ca' Maiol, Zenato and Costaripa are other important producers in an area that is also characterised by small artisan producers such as Ancilla and Le Fraghe.

Would you like to discover all the wines produced in this enchanting and unique territory? Callmewine presents a wide selection of Lake Garda wines for sale online and on offer at the best prices. Choose the bottles you prefer to round off and enhance every occasion with great expressions from one of Italy's most famous wine-growing areas.