Garda

The "Garda" Protected Designation of Origin identifies a wide range of wines, in the white, red and rosé versions. For other productions it is foreseen the indication of grape variety: Garganega, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Tai (limited to the territories of the province of Verona), Riesling Italico, Riesling, Cortese, Sauvignon, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Marzemino, Corvina and Barbera. Finally, the possibility of reporting the Classical sub-area is also regulated.

Grapes

Garda wines with indications of white, red or rosé vines must be vinified from a minimum quota of 85% of the respective grapes, with the possibility, for the remaining part, that other vines are also included, provided that they have similarly colored berries. The same rule also applies to the Groppello Classico and its reserve variant. In the case of wines with an indication of sub-area, however, the composition is more complex. For white is required a minimum quota of 70% of Riesling and Riesling italico. For the red, on the other hand, Gropello (minimum 30%) is combined with Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera, each for at least 5%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

In the product specification, it is possible to examine in depth all the organoleptic characteristics of each wine. In general, however, it can be said that single-varietal productions emerge because of the characteristics that come from the basic vine, especially with regard to odors and aromas. Even more original are the wines of the Classico sub-area, including Chiaretto, a much appreciated product of the denomination.

Grape production area

The production area is divided between the provinces of Verona, Mantova and Brescia and is dominated and influenced, especially in the climate, by the presence of Lake Garda.

Specificity and historical notes

According to historical reconstructions, the ancestor of Garda wines is the Retico wine, already known in the first century AD and even a favorite of Emperor Augustus.