With its serene waters, suggestive lakefront towns, and historical wineries, the region of Lake Garda – Italy’s largest – attracts visitors from around the world. It also beckons wine enthusiasts to discover a new generation of wines that reflect the region’s fresh and joyful soul.
The region’s rocky peaks and temperate climate have favored the cultivation of local vine varieties since prehistoric times. Grapes here are diverse and varied, resulting in a wide array of wine styles that fully embody the essence of the territory: Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon, Cortese, Garganega, and Groppello as well as red wines from Barbera, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon and, more locally, from a variety of red grapes including Corvina, Rondinella, and Marzemino.
Giome DOC is a crowd-pleasing white wine made with Turbiana grapes on the southern shore of Lake Garda, in the provinces of Brescia and Verona. It pairs well with grilled meats and fish, legume soups, or a simple risotto. It also brings out the tomato notes in eggplant parmesan, and can enliven roasted root vegetable main dishes.
Despite not being produced directly on the shores of Lake Garda, Valpolicella is a well-known red wine from the region and boasts a rich tradition that dates back to Roman times. It pairs perfectly with risotto, pasta dishes, or grilled and braised meats. wine lake garda