As we welcome a new year it’s always important to think about what goals one has in mind to start the year. I myself am always looking ot broaden my horizon in the wine world and that includes exploring new wine regions, wineries and grape varieties. That is exactly the theme of our wine writers group this month led by Lynn at Savor the Harvest this month. Each one of us explores something new or different to share with all our readers as well as ourselves.
For me personally, I decided to share some wines that I explored recently from the Garda DOC. I recently attended a virtual tasting led by one of our writers Susannah and the VP of the Garda DOC Consorzio and owner of Perla del Garda, Giovanna Andrea. Although visiting Lake Garda is not new to me as I have been fortunate to make it there once before, learning more about the Garda DOC and what it encompasses was newer to me.
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| Copyright of Consorzio Garda DOC |
The Wines of Lake Garda
I’ve tried a number of wines through the years that I’ve shared with you from all around Lake Garda, lago di Garda, to include Bardolino, Chiaretto, Soave, Lugana, Custoza and nearby the wines of the Valpolicella wine region.
Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy and actually the 2nd largest lake in Europe, along with being one of the deepest lakes that helps retain both the heat and the cold that influences the grapes. Lake Garda was formed 5-6 million years ago due to a shift in the teutonic plates of Europe and Africa.
Lake Garda encompasses 3 northernly regions including Trentino to the north, Lombardy to the west and the Veneto to the east. The majority of the wines produced under the Garda DOC come from the Veneto side. It has a unique microclimate due to situation between the Mediterranean and it’s close proximity to the Alpine mountain ranges that can provide intense winds. The lake helps mitigate the weather pattern creating a sub-continental climate that is ideal for the vineyards. Heck, they even are growing lemons and oranges.
The Consorzio Garda DOC is a younger consortium started in 1996. It’s made up of a number of coops and about 250 producers. It encompasses 10 historical denominations: Valtenesi, San Martino della Battaglia, Lugana, Colli Mantovani, Custoza, Bardolino, Valpolicella, Valdadige, Durello and Soave. What’s unique about the Garda DOC is that it gives producers making wines in these previously mentioned appellations, to have flexibility to also produce wines with international grapes like the Pinot Grigio and Merlot wines that I’m sharing today that aren’t allowed under the other designations.
The Garda DOC Wines
I sampled a couple Pinot Grigio wines under the Garda DOC. The requirement is that these wines are made with at least 85% Pinot Grigio, but many of the producers will produce these wines without blending. Pinot Grigio is the leading grape in the Garda DOC wine production with Chardonnay being a close 2nd followed by the Garganega grape.
The 2024 Ca’ Vegar Pinot Grigio Garda DOC is grown in the morainic hills made of of calcareous soils and clay. This 100% Pinot Grigio is aged 4 months in stainless steel, which helps to show the fruit. Pale straw colored, almost clear in the glass. Floral aromas with lemon, apple and slight peach notes. Light-bodied, with continuous mouthwatering acidity on the palate filled with notes of tart apple. ABV 12.5%
The 2024 Cantina Collini Morenici Merlot Garda DOC is part of the cooperative, Cantina di Verona, that was esblished in 2021 which is made up of 550 members. This winery is in the southern part of Lake Garda. This wine is made from 100% Merlot. The grapes are macerated for 10-12 days and refined in steel for freshness. This Merlot may not be what many are used to when they think of Merlot. This merlot was very pale in ruby color. Aromas of ripe black cherry, blueberries and violet. A lighter medium bodied Merlot, smooth with nice acidity. Blackberry with a little spice and hint of cocoa. ABV 13%
Venturing to Lake Garda
With Lake Garda spanning three wine regions you'll get a variety of different cultures, cuisines and wines in a short span. Choose which side of the lake you'd like to base yourself. As a I suggestion you may want to consider the southern point as it's easier to maneuver all around and it's a higher concentration of wineries and vineyards. to the north of Lake Garda it's more mountainous.
I suggest renting a car for more freedom, but there are ferries that connect some of the major points of the lake. For those of you that are willing to take the physically fit challenge you can bike your way around and explore that way too.
You can find other wines from the Garda DOC on Wine.com to try. I may receive compensation for any wines purchased through the affiliate link in support of the operations of Vino Travels.
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