Bardolino wine tour

The region

Bardolino wine originates in the hills on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Natural elements clearly mark the borders of the Bardolino region. Specifically, you will find Monte Baldo to the north, the lake shores to the east, and the Adige River to the west. Only a few meters of the Adige River separate the Bardolino DOC from the Valpolicella DOC.

However, the diversity in climate and geology between these two areas creates very different terroirs. For this reason, Bardolino and Valpolicella are completely different wines, even though they use the same grape varieties.

The vast mass of water in the lake mitigates both the summer heat and the rigors of winter. As a result, the climate of Lake Garda is exceptionally mild and temperate, appearing like a “Mediterranean bubble.” In fact, together with olive trees and vines, you can find lemons, palms, and agaves growing here.

The soil is also very complex. It consists of stones, silt, gravel, and sand accumulated during four different glaciations. The movement of the glaciers created the “moraines,” which are concentric and circular hills. Today, these hills form a sort of natural amphitheater around the lake.

From this unique terroir come light, fresh and easy-drinking wines. You can book your Bardolino wine tour to discover this region with a private wine guide!

The grapes

The Bardolino blend is mainly based on Corvina Veronese, which can make up to 95% of the wine, along with at least 5% Rondinella. Additionally, other black grape varieties are allowed in small quantities. Among these, Molinara is very common. It is often called the “salted grape” because its particular balance highlights the flavor without pushing too much on acidity or tannins.

The wines

The most common version is Bardolino DOC. This is a light red wine with fruity aromas of cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. Frequently, people serve it slightly chilled in summer to enhance its natural acidity, especially when pairing it with lake fish.

The Bardolino Superiore DOCG version, instead, must age for at least one year before sale. Consequently, it gains more body and structure. You might also find the word “Classico” on the label if the grapes come from the historical heart of the DOC.

Another wine that is experiencing great success is Chiaretto, the rosé version of Bardolino. Winemakers obtain Chiaretto through a short maceration of the skins, which releases only a small part of the color. Its bright pink color is reminiscent of peach blossoms, while the nose shows notes of wild flowers and berries. Thanks to its marked freshness, it is an excellent aperitif wine. Furthermore, it is produced in both still and sparkling versions, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Finally, Bardolino Novello is a type of wine obtained through carbonic maceration. Specifically, the whole bunches are placed in airtight steel containers that are saturated with carbon dioxide. In these conditions, the fermentation takes place inside the grapes (intracellular). After two weeks, the grapes are crushed. Subsequently, they undergo a normal alcoholic fermentation. This whole process is very fast, and the wine is traditionally enjoyed young in autumn, perfectly paired with roasted chestnuts.

Garda olive oil

Olio del Garda DOP is another essential product of these hills. In fact, on the higher slopes, the vineyards often give way to silver olive groves. The traditional varieties are Casaliva, Gargnà, and Favarol. Recently, farmers have also introduced Tuscan varieties like Leccino. This oil has a greenish-yellow color and a very delicate taste due to its low acidity.

During a Bardolino wine tour, you can easily combine a visit to a winery with a stop at a local oil mill to taste both the wine and the extra virgin olive oil.