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Explore the Best Wineries in Riviera Del Garda Classico

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Riviera del Garda Classico is a famous DOC in Lombardy, Italy. It can be found south of Lake Garda, near the Swiss border, and is best known for its red wines made from Groppelo and Barbera grapes. Though it shares the same name, Riviera del Garda Bresciano, it technically is a renaming of Valtènesi DOC and DOC Classico zone of Garda. With its picturesque sceneries and unique wines, Riviera Del Garda Classico is one of the favorite places for wine lovers all over the world.

Riviera Del Garda Classico

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Riviera Del Garda Classico!

History of Riviera del Garda Classico Wine Region

The gentle slopes of the Alps, which sweep down to the shores of the blue Adriatic, are home to some of Italy's finest winemaking regions. For centuries, this area has been known as one of Italy's most important viticultural areas for quality wine production. The history of the Riviera del Garda Classico wine region dates back to Roman times when this region was a popular destination. Thanks to its healthful climate, clean air, and the wine produced by the many vineyards. The Riviera del Garda Classico has been home to some of Italy's most famous wineries and vineyards including Giacosa, Bardolino, Bolgheri, Soave Classico, and Valdobbiadene.

Terroir of Riviera del Garda Classico Wine Region

The soil of the Riviera del Garda Classico Wine Region is highly porous and acidic, which is why it produces some of the finest wines in Italy. In this region, vines are planted in rows on steep slopes that are terraced as they go up.

The climate of the Riviera del Garda Classico Wine Region is the Mediterranean. This means hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The terrain is hilly with a pronounced slope on the west coast in a north-south direction.

Grape varieties from Riviera del Garda Classico Wine Region

A true Riviera del Garda wine must have at least 30% dry for Groppello, di Mocasina and di Stefano wines in their blends. Barbera, Marzemino, and Sangiovese may form the majority of this blend up to 25%. Other permitted varieties up to 25% (though only 10% of those may be red Bordeaux varietals).

The same recipe applies to Chiaretto and Spumante Rosè. There are wines that are of the Charmat method in pressurized tanks, but some may be Metodo Classico.

The Rosso is a red wine, with about 12% alcohol. We also sell a white wine called Superiore. Rosso Novello can be bottled early for prompt drinking. Gropello may also be used as a varietal red wine, so long as it makes up at least 85% of the blend.

Food to Pair with Riviera del Garda wine

Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese

This traditional buckwheat pasta dish combines crusty pizzoccheri pasta with potatoes and cabbage, which is also known to be replaced by swiss chard or green beans. All the ingredients are mixed and layered with Parmigiano Reggiano and Valtellina Casera cheese and garlicky melted butter.

Typically, before serving, pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese is briefly baked, which allows the cheese to melt and allows all the ingredients to come together. One thing we know for sure is that this dish was created following the introduction of pizzoccheri pasta in the 16th century. This dish was originally created in the Valtellina valley from where it spread to other parts of Italy.

Casoncelli bresciani

Casoncelli bresciani is an Italian pasta dish dating back to the 15th century. It's made by layering a dough over sheet, scattering it with fresh grated parsley and salted water, then filling it with a mix of stale breadcrumbs and cooked potato.

There are many different variations of filling that can be used in a pasty and each household or restaurant will often have its own preferences. Thin pasta sheets are folded over the filling and pressed at the edges – the process of making casoncelli is similar to that of making ravioli.

Once they're boiled, cancelli Bresciani are typically served in a sauce of butter and sage. Add a great finishing touch to your dish with some Grana Padano. The pasta goes great with Franciacorta or Extra Brut champagne as well as wines like Botticino and Cellatica.

Polenta taragna

Taragna polenta is made with a mix of yellow cornmeal and buckwheat flour, enriched with butter and cheese. It is served hot out of the oven. Tarai is the Italian word for a wooden pole traditionally used to stir polenta. To make this dish, you have to use a copper pot that sits in front of the fireplace and the tarai is rotated manually by hand. Tarana polenta is characterized by a dark grayish color and richness which comes from the cheese.

We've created a recipe, but the type of cheese you use is really up to your tastes. Most people use a local, semi-fat and medium ripened cheese like Valtellina Casera, Bitto or Fontina. You can eat this by itself or as a starter, before the main course. Buckwheat production here dates back to the 1600s, which is why it's used in many traditional dishes like this one.

Places to Visit in Riviera del Garda wine Region

Milan

Milan is one of Italy's most important fashion and design centres; it's a global hub for trends. It's the national stock exchange, one of the world's most powerful financial hubs. It has high-end restaurants and shops galore. Milan is a welcoming and vibrant city, with plenty of historical landmarks. The Milan Cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent house countless art treasures, like Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." Milan is a city famed for its fashion and this element is evident in the central Milan Fashion District. Miles of designer outlets, world-class department stores, fashion schools and more are located in this thriving area. The mesmerising Duomo di Milano cathedral stands as a prominent landmark in the heart of the district.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a city in Italy. It's northeast of Milan and is located in the Lombardy region. In the old city on top of a hill (Città Alta), cobblestone streets surround the old Venetian walls and you can get there by taking the funicular.The Duomo di Bergamo, the city cathedral, is just one of many great sights in Bergamo. Other places to go include the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni, containing 18th-century frescoes by artists including Tiepolo. The Città Bassa districts are: Cappella Carminati, an ancient church; Piazza Vecchia, with its neo-Renaissance style; and the Gothic Basilica di Sant'Alessandro.

Lake Como

Lake Como is a gorgeous sight in Northern Italy and has plenty of hotels and other lodging options. Tourists come to this place not only for its views but also because of the range of accommodations here. Bellagio is a famous place in Italy because it's shaped like an upside-down Y. The branches of the lake come together in Bellagio and create this shape, which gives it its name. The bottom of the Southwest branch contains Como, the beautiful city that's home to two different attractions: a sprawling military compound, and a major campground. Here you can find gorgeous Renaissance architecture and a funicular to Brunate, a nearby mountain town where people go when they want to relax and take it easy.

Riviera Del Garda Classico 2

Check out the best wineries in Riviera Del Garda Classico!

Freqnuently Asked Questions About Riviera del Garda

How do wines from the Riviera del Garda region differ from wines in other regions?

The wines from this region are different from wines in other regions because of the climate and terroir. The climate is characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and a large temperature difference between day and night. This leads to a very slow ripening process with fresh acidity. The terroir is characterized by limestone soils and high altitude vineyards which produce grape varieties like Garganega and Malvasia that are not usually found in other Italian wine regions.

How can I get to the Riviera del Garda wine region?

region is home to some of Italy’s best wines and can be reached by car, train or bus.
Train: There are two trains that go to the Riviera del Garda wine region - one from Trento and the other from Bolzano.
Bus: There is a bus that goes to the Riviera del Garda wine region, but it only runs on weekends.
Car: The best way to get to the Riviera del Garda wine region is by car.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Azienda Agricola Monte Cicogna

What are some of the best Riviera Del Garda Classico wines that people should try?

Azienda Agricola Monte Cicogna - Holy Catherine
Azienda Agricola Monte Cicogna - Tank 59

Map of Wineries in Riviera Del Garda Classico

Discover the locations of wineries in Riviera Del Garda Classico

Explore the Best
Experiences in Riviera Del Garda Classico

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Riviera Del Garda Classico