Having traveled to Garda DOC and surrounding regions more than a few times, I was thrilled to explore its wines and area yet again during a virtual tasting a few weeks ago. A variety of Garda DOC wines were showcased during this informative session as a number of wine colleagues, each of whom were sent three different wines as samples, swirled, sipped, and savored. Organized by Susannah Gold of Vigneto Communications, our tasting was hosted by Giovanna Prandini, co-founder and producer at Lugana’s Perla del Garda.
Lake Garda, A Piece of the Mediterranean at the Foot of the Alps
It’s impossible to untangle the thread that is just as much Lake Garda as it is the hilly region straddling Lombardy, Trentino, and Veneto. Alpine mountains protect and stand tall over what is considered “the largest basin in Italy.” Between the provinces of Brescia, Mantova and Verona is the Garda DOC appellation where, within 10 historical production areas (Riviera del Garda Classico-Valtenesi, San Martino della Battaglia, Lugana, Colli Mantovani, Custoza, Bardolino, Valpolicella, Valdadige, Lessini-Durello and Soave), grape varieties retain elements of the unique climate and terroir, evident since the Iron Age.
Through the centuries, varying geological formations and climate phases (with alternating cold/humid and hot/arid patterns) have affected many of the grape varieties currently cultivated. Today, climate is more balanced and is moderated by the lake. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, helping Garda DOC produce high-quality grapes.
Many term the region “a piece of the Mediterranean” at the foot of the Alps. Morainic hills carved by glacier activity, mineral deposits, a temperate climate with lake breezes, exposure to the sun and soils that are stony, rich in rock fragments and calcaire help produce wines that are soft, fresh and mineral-driven. Crossing Lake Garda are often intense breezes that temper the summer heat and winter cold.
Lake Garda
Soils are varied (as much as 66 types) due to the glacial deposits that shaped the Garda basin and by those that descended into the Adige Valley thousands upon thousands of years ago. The different glaciers left a vast number of materials – pebbles, gravel, boulders, hard layers of loess and clays. In the Alto Garda, dolomite deposits, once used for the production of magnesium, are found.
And the Mediterranean climate? Waters of Lake Garda are colder than the air in the summer and warmer in the winter. Hot summers and cold winter temperatures are mitigated despite being located at the foothills of the Alps. With abundant sunshine and lake breezes, lemon trees, olive trees, Mediterranean garrigue and grapevines thrive.
Refreshing, Mineral-Driven Wines of Garda DOC Weave Together Climate, Soils, and Winemaking Style
Wine production in Garda DOC has expanded through the years in order to “represent the varietal wines in the ten historical production areas” and “enhance the value of all those wines without any geographical indication or recognition.” Impressive, refreshing, and food friendly white, sparkling and red wines are produced. In essence, the melding of climate, soils and winemaking style create wines to sip again and again.
Still varietal wines include Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling B., Sauvignon, Cortese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Corvina, Pinot Nero and Marzemino. Still blends include white (Garganega, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Trebbiano) and red (Merlot, Cabernet, Corvina, Marzemino, and Rebo). Charmat method sparkling wines are white (Garganega, Treggiano di Lugana and Pinot Grigio) whereby Classic Method sparkling wines are white (Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Corvina) and rose (Marzemino, Corvina, Pinot Nero).
As of 2024, over 19 million bottles were produced. Under vine are 31,100 hectares in Verona, 27,888 hectares in Mantua, and 3211 hectares in Brescia.
Easy-Drinking, Food Friendly Wines from Garda DOC
Sent to me as samples were three deliciously fresh wines that quickly transported my mind and palate back to Garda DOC.
Poggio delle Grazie Garda Bianco was a vibrant blend of at least 50% Trebbiano and the remainder Friulano grapes. On the nose, bright lemon, stone fruit, and white flower notes burst from the glass leading to flavors of snappy citrus, green apple, mint, more florals, and vibrant acidity. On-point food pairings include grilled seafood, pasta with a white sauce, and creamy cheeses offering a savory note.
Boasting everything I appreciate in a quality Pinot Grigio is Azienda Agricola Prendina Pinot Grigio Garda DOC with its rich and intense aromas of citrus and florals, flavorful and sophisticated palate profile of stone fruit, minerality, and hint of salinity… and a lingering finish. Balanced with the optimal characteristics of fruit, acidity, and alcohol, find this Pinot Grigio now for enjoying with grilled shrimp and tomatoes, and so much more.
Colli Morenici Merlot Garda DOC was my final wine of the tasting. From the southern area of Lake Garda, 100% Merlot was aged in stainless steel to preserve its fresh characteristics and fruit forward aromas. On the nose, ripe cherries and juicy raspberries were a delightful entry. Subtle notes of smoke, toast, and tart red berries on the palate were lifted with food friendly acidity and moderate tannic structure. Versatile, this is as much a “stand-alone wine” as it is mouthwatering with food such as caprese pesto as a pasta sauce.
Inspired to visit Garda DOC or at the very least to seek these wines? Go for it! Taste the refreshing Alpine air and Mediterranean sunshine with each sip.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
