The Lake Garda region and its wines
The Lake Garda area evokes images of breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear waters and picturesque villages. But this region is also a paradise for wine lovers, with a rich history of wine production dating back centuries. Let’s discover the Lake Garda region and explore all its characteristics.
The history of the region
Wine production in Lake Garda dates back to the Bronze Age and has always benefited from the Mediterranean climate and the varied terrain, creating a unique partnership between man and nature. The ancient Etruscans cultivated vines on the hills surrounding the lake, as evidenced by the remains of presses and pomace found in various towns. The arrival of the Romans brought substantial evolution to wine growing, as they introduced new techniques and adopted prestigious grape varieties.
During the Middle Ages, monks promoted new cultivation and winemaking techniques, while the Renaissance saw further success for Garda wines, which started to become popular across the whole of Europe.
In the 19th century, wine-growing in Lake Garda suffered at the hands of phylloxera, but the sector recovered and relaunched itself. Finally, the 20th century saw the establishment of protection consortia and disciplinary measures on production, which helped to enhance and protect the quality of wines from Lake Garda.
The wines of Lake Garda
The Mediterranean climate and varied soil make Lake Garda a unique wine-growing region, known for producing fine wines that perfectly express the area’s characteristics.
Lugana: an elegant and refined white wine produced from the Turbiana grape, also known as Trebbiano di Lugana. A wine that can have excellent qualities of freshness and youth when a vintage but also a wine with optimal ageing potential.
Valtènesi (red): a full-bodied, firmly structured red wine, obtained from a blend of native grapes, such as Groppello, Marzemino and Barbera. Ideal for pairing with red meats and mature cheeses.
Valtènesi (rosé): a fresh and versatile rosé, perfect for hot summer days or an aperitif with friends.
The terroir of Lake Garda
With its varied microclimate, landscape and soil, the terroir of Lake Garda offers an ideal environment for producing fine wines. The climate consists of mild winters and hot – yet not muggy – summers. In fact, the presence of the lake mitigates the extreme temperatures and creates an ideal microclimate for the vines. The breezes that come from the lake provide good ventilation, countering the humidity and fungal diseases.
The soil is equally as diverse as the landscape. It consists of limestone soil, moraine soil, clay soil and sandy soil, each of which has specific characteristics that shape the grapes and wines produced.
The Lugana region
On the south shore of Lake Garda, the moraine hills that were formed by the erosion of ancient glaciers have a deep geological history. Here, layers of rock and ice alternate with sediments of ancient seabeds and clay, creating a unique terroir.
The highlight is a native grape variety with ancient origins, called Turbiana or Trebbiano di Lugana. It is used to produce Lugana, a wine that is a faithful representation of the region in which it originated and is produced in different types.
The Valtènesi region
The is nestled in the rolling hills on the western shore of Lake Garda, boasting ancient wine-making traditions including the renowned “wine of one night“, a subtle and delicate rosé embodying the essence of this enchanting place.
Obtained through the white vinification of red grapes with a short maceration, Chiaretto emits elegant notes of red berries and hints of sweet spices. A wine that – in just a few hours – captures the lively, fresh and intoxicating aroma of Valtènesi.
Lake Garda: a region ripe for exploring
With vineyards located in the heart of Lugana, Cà Maiol is the perfect place to taste the wines of Lake Garda, which are expertly produced with profound respect for the region.
Lake Garda not only offers visitors an exceptional food and wine experience but also an outstanding historical and cultural heritage. Medieval villages, houses dotted amongst the vineyards, scenic routes and a plethora of sports activities make Lake Garda a region ripe for exploring.
