Wines of Lake Garda

What wines are best with the local Garda cuisine?
There are many wines to choose from.

Bardolino is the symbol of wine culture on the eastern lakeside. It is a light red wine which is suitable throughout the meal and with local fish dishes. Another interesting red is Garda Corvina, made entirely from corvina grapes, also used for Bardolino and Valpolicella. The western side of the lake produces a Garda classico Groppello (the Riserva is truly exceptional), whilst towards Mantova the best-known wine is Garda Merlot. Valdadige rosso is another famous wine, made on the foothills of Monte Baldo.

There are two rosé wines, both excellent in the summer: Bardolino Chiaretto on the eastern side and Garda Classico Chiaretto to the west.

Lovers of white wines will like Bianco di Custoza (on the eastern side) and Lugana (south): both are ideal with fish, but Lugana Superiore is also excellent with soft cheeses and poultry. Other famous whites include Garda Garganega, Garda Sauvignon and Garda Riesling.
In one small area to the south of Lake Garda, a light white wine suitable for fish and called San Martino della Battaglia is produced. Also interesting are Valdadige Chardonnay and Valdadige Pinot Grigio.

Dessert wines include the excellent but rather rare San Martino della Battaglia liquoroso. To the north, between Lake Garda and Lake Toblino another fine wine is produced: Vin Santo Trentino.
All the wines made on the western side of the lake are presented at the annual Polpenazze DOC wine Exhibition, now a traditional event in the Valtenesi calendar, with photographs and paintings as well as excellent wines.