Bardolino Wine Region

With the perfect climate and morphological features of the region, Bardolino is the homeland of numerous high-quality wines. This wine region is located around the famous Lake Garda, which enriches it with unique soil and a temperate climate. Nowadays, Bardolino wine is one of the favorites among wine lovers. Bardolino wine region is the perfect destination if you're a wine lover. You'll never regret spending your days there!

Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Bardolino

Where is Bardolino Located?

Bardolino is a wine region located in the province of Verona, across the eastern shore of Lake Garda, which is also known as ‘’La Riviera degli Ulivi’’. This place is not only famous for wines but also produces exceptional extra virgin olive oil. This district is part of the Veneto wine region of north-eastern Italy. 

Veneto wine region includes communes of Garda, Bardolino, Affi, Cavaion Veronese, Pastrengo, Lazise and Castelnuovo del Garda, and etc. There are 15 communes in total.

In 1968 Bardolino was granted the DOC title, and it took the name from the town Bardolino. Most wine lovers have known wines of Bardolino as the light red wines that are produced along the chain of Morainic Hills.

History of Bardolino Wine Region

The finding of settlement remains on the shores of Lake Garda and the hamlet of Cisano showed that the first villages date back to the Bronze age. However, the first wine traces were found from the Ancient Rome period. Some of these remains were related to the use of wine in religious rituals.

It is assumed that the first vineyards in the area date back to the Roman period, a hypothesis reinforced by the findings of agricultural settlements, including the rustic villa identified near the church of San Vito di Cortelline, on the hills of Bardolino. It was the religious institutions that encouraged agricultural development, favoring the cultivation of olives and vines.

Some 15th-century authors, referring to the Bardolino wines as “sweet and natural wines” (Francesco Corna da Soncino) and “perfectissimi wines” (Marin Sanudo).

During the 19th century, the economy of the region was mostly based on handicraft, fishing, agriculture, and wine production. During this period, wines produced in this area started being referred to as ''Bardolino''. Later, in the 20th century, the Bardolino became even more popular, and it was known as the local wine of Garda.

The modern history of Bardolino officially starts on May 28, 1968, the date of establishing the DOC: the territory of 16 municipalities on the Venetian shore of Lake Garda and its hinterland.  Nowadays, Bardolino wines are famous for their lightness and sweetness across the globe.

Terroir of Bardolino

The soils of the morainic hills of the Bardolino area are extremely diverse, due to the deposits left by the glaciers that shaped the Garda basin. The various glaciers left enormous accumulations of materials, deposited in the great amphitheater of Garda.

Lake Garda is the largest body of water in Italy, 370 square kilometers, narrower to the north, a shiny ribbon nestled in the Dolomites which widens at the southern plain between Brescia and Verona. It provides moderating temperature variations, the surrounding hills protect the local vines, allowing grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness in what would otherwise be a chilly grape-growing region.

Besides the different grape varieties used in each of them, all the Bardolino wines share similar characteristics: freshness, lightness, and easy drinking. These organoleptic features come from the common terroir:

• Microclimate. The Lake water is colder than the air in summer and warmer in winter. This strongly contributes to mitigating the summer heat and harsh winter thus the grapes achieve optimal ripeness quite easily.
• Morainic soil. This kind of soil is left from the glaciers that carved the lake millions of years ago. The morainic soil is rich in mineral salts and is composed of pebbles, gravel, clay, and sand.

Check out the full list of wineries in Bardolino with an open cellar door and great wine experiences.

Bardolino Wine

Bardolino has a bright ruby color, and is fruity, with notes of both sweet and sour cherries, strawberries and raspberries; it has a very easy-to-drink profile. Bardolino’s typical aromas are elegant and unique - the wines’ colors remain pale, but they have spicy tones of cinnamon, cloves, or black pepper and notes of dried flowers and citrus fruits.

The most important grape variety cultivated in the Bardolino region is Corvina Veronese. This grape can form up to 95% of the total blend, and the remaining 5% can be filled with Rondinella or other indigenous grapes.

Another red grape variety that is grown locally is Corvinone, which can substitute Corvina Veronese for up to a maximum of 20% of the grape mix.  

Also, producers use Molinara, which can be used in the production of Bardolino up to a maximum of 15% of the total blend.

Food to Pair with Bardolino Wine

1. Penne all'arrabbiata

Penne all’arrabbiata comes from Roman cuisine and is a pasta dish.  It is mostly prepared with a hot sauce made from olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. The name of this dish comes from the Italian word arrabbiata which means angry, so this meal is often translated as an angry pasta. However, the real meaning behind this name is that pasta has an intense, spicy taste that can make your face red.

This is a simple, yet flavorful dish that shows up even in movies like Federico Fellini’s Roma and Marco Ferreri's La Grande Bouffe. While you eat Penne all’arrabbiata, you should also taste one glass of Bardolino wine.

2. Pasta Alla Norma

If you are a pasta lover, this dish will be a perfect choice to eat with Bardolino red wine. Pasta Alla Norma is a Sicilian classical pasta, which is made with eggplants, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Ricotta Salata cheese. The name of this dish comes from the famous opera La Norma by Vincenzo Bellini. According to the story, while the composer was working on the opera, he often visited the restaurant in Catania and ate the same pasta dish.

After some time, the restaurant owner decided to name the dish after his opera. Nowadays, this pasta is so popular all over Italy and if you have a chance to taste it, do not forget to pair some Bardolino wine too.

3. Pasta al Pomodoro

Pasta al Pomodoro is an Italian dish that's prepared with a combination of different kinds of pasta (most commonly spaghetti, although any type of pasta can be used). Additional ingredients for the dish are fresh tomatoes, olive oil, basil, salt, and onions or garlic. Some people say that if you want to cook the best Pasta al Pomodoro, you should use pasta water to the dish in its finishing stages.

The dish is simple, light, and quick which makes it even more popular. For the best results, it is recommended to serve it with some grated cheese on top and a glass of Bardolino wine.

Places you shouldn’t miss in Bardolino

1. Rocca di Garda

Rocca di Garda is a 650 feet high rock located on the Southeast shore of Garda Lake. Formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age, Rocca di Garda is the best viewpoint on its southeast coast. Rocca di Garda was home to the oldest settlement on Garda Lake. During the 5th century, the fortress of Garda stood on the rock, serving as the guarding point

The visitor is awarded a nice panoramic view down the southern shore of the lake, a clear view of Monte Lupia across the Garda gulf, the Southeast ridge of Monte Baldo, as well a few summits of Lombardian Prealps located across the lake.

2. Lazise

Lazise is an ancient city from the Bronze Age. It is situated on the eastern coast of Lake Garda, is one of the Commons of the low lake. This territory is full of historical elements but the first thing that strikes the visitor's eye is the Lazise Castle.

Lazise is how you imagine an Italian city, with lots of historical and beautiful houses. If you ever visit Bardolino wine appellation, do not forget to check this quiet and magical city.

3. Sirmione

Sirmione is probably the busiest town near the Lake Garda area since it is a very popular tourist spot in Northern Italy. Known as “the pearl of the islands and peninsulas,” Sirmione’s fame comes from its thermal waters that offer healing properties, and writers like Catullo and Goethe that hailed its beauty. 

Sirmione has a population of almost 7,800 inhabitants and great attractions. The first reason for its popularity is the location - near the astonishing Lake Garda (Lago di Garda). Secondly, it boasts a beautiful medieval village with old walls and narrow cobbled streets. You can walk down its beautiful streets, eat local food, and drink some Bardolino wine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bardolino