Wine Bardolino is made in the Italian province of Verona, near Lake Garda. In 1968, the region received the status of a name controlled by origin (DOC). The grape blend of the drink includes varieties of Corvina, Rondinela, Molinara. Up to 15% can be attributed to Rossignola, Barbera, Sangiovese, Garganega – in any combination.
The region is known for its mild climate: a perfect balance between rainy and dry weather, as well as an abundance of sunshine and a variety of soils provide excellent conditions for the cultivation of grapes. The classical zone includes the cities of Bardolino, Affi, Cavaion Veronese, Costermano, Garda, Ladzise. It produces about 45% of the total volume of Bardolino wine. The remaining 55% are flat fertile soils outside the classical zone.
Oenologists do not see much difference between Bardolino Classico and basic Bardolino: the differences in quality are minimal and more dependent on the art of the winemaker than on the terroir.
Features
Italian wine Bardolino is made from the same grape varieties as Valpolicella, but the drinks are completely different. The fact is that Bardolino contains less Corvina, which adds fullness, and more Rondinela, which has a relatively neutral taste.
Rose and red wines of Bardolino do not belong to the category of elite alcohol: these drinks have a fresh taste and affordable price, with rare exceptions, there is no need to talk about decorating a wine cellar. Often the yield of the vine exceeds the prescribed norms, which leads to a decrease in product quality and a “watery” taste.
Manufacturers
The best brands are wineries Guerrieri Rizzardi, Le Fraghe, Albino Piona, Cavalchina, Corte Gardoni, Ronca. About 60% of the wine is exported, the rest is sold on the Italian domestic market.
Appellations and the culture of drinking Bardolino
- Classic DOC – wine from the “classic zone”, has a ruby-red color, mild taste with hints of cherries and spices. It is not stored for a long time – it is recommended to drink the drink within a few years after bottling. These wines make successful gastronomic pairs with white meat, salads, meat and cheese snacks. They go well with salami, veal, risotto, pastas, soups, pizza. If the bottle is stored in a wine cellar, it does not need to be cooled before serving, as the temperature is already 15-16°C. The same characteristics apply to the basic Bardolino produced outside the classic zone.
- Superiore DOCG – registered in 2001, local wine is slightly stronger than analogues (12 degrees versus the usual 10,5), aged for at least a year before bottling. To achieve the quality prescribed by DOCG standards, winemakers artificially reduce the yield of the vine, as well as carefully select the best berries. The wine has a rich red color and spicy notes in the bouquet, it is recommended not to keep it in the vinotheque for more than 6-8 years. It goes well with spicy cheeses, game, vegetarian dishes. The serving temperature is 17-19°C.
- Chiaretto DOC – a pink variation of Bardolino is produced here. It has an unusual pink color, shimmering with tones of salmon and coral. The aroma has notes of rose, wisteria and other spring flowers. The taste is fresh, light. Gastronomic couples – Italian appetizers, salami, ham, cold meats. Before serving, the wine is cooled to 10-12°C. There is a variation of Chiaretto Spumante – sparkling pink.
- Novello DOC – a style that imitates the French Beaujolais Nouveau, appeared in 1987. The wine is bottled until December 31 of the vintage year, and released to the market on November 6. Novello is characterized by low tannins, elegant fruity taste with hints of raspberries, strawberries and wild cherries. Recommended for use within a year or two. It goes well with grilled fish, risotto, boiled white meat. Serving temperature – 14-15°C. There is a variation of Frizzante – sparkling wine.