The Perfect Pairing: Spumante Garda DOC & Piave DOP Cheese

“What grows together goes together” is a popular adage when it comes to wine and food. And there’s good reason for that. A shared terroir, that word indicating, among other things, a region’s soil, climate and landscape, gives wine and food a “sense of place.” An earthy Pinot Noir from Bourgogne paired with a savory Boeuf Bourguignon? Memorable. A snappy Albarino from Spain paired with fresh seafood? The best. How about a Chianti Classico enjoyed with Nonna’s homemade lasagna? Unforgettable. We can thank each area’s unique terroir for these perfect pairings… and centuries of tradition.

And now this. I’m still thinking of my indulgences in more than a few sips of two luscious sparkling wines from Garda DOC with bites of Piave DOP cheeses (sent as samples), both produced in Northern Italy. Wine and cheese? They go together! And in this case, they grow together, too!

The Garda DOC was established in 1996 to highlight the value of the wines of the 10 historic appellations of the Garda area between Lombardy and Veneto. Centered around sparkling wines, the region surrounds Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. Boasting a rich history, breathtaking castles, small villages and inspiring ports, the area is compelling. The tradition of the Garda DOC begins in the hillside vineyards surrounding the lake. Producers in Valtenesi, San Martino, Della Battaglia, Lugana, Colli Mantovani, Custoza, Bardolino, Valpolicella, Valdadige, Durello and Soave. At this time, 31,100 hectares are under vine.

Around the southern end of the lake, cool breezes and sun-filled days allow the grapes to ripen and thrive with vibrant acidity and freshness. White Garda Spumante DOC wines are based on Chardonnay, Garganega, Pinot Grigio and Trebbiano. Rosé Garda Spumante is of Pinot Noir, Corvina and Merlot. Both may be produced using the traditional method (the second fermentation is in the bottle) or the Charmat method (the second fermentation is in stainless steel tanks).

Distinct and flavorful, Piave DOP cheeses are made from cow’s milk in the alpine province of Belluno in the Veneto region. A cooked, curd cheese that may remind you of Parmesan, it’s flavorful and aromatic. The Piave cheese I tasted was dense in texture and delicious with subtle notes of nuts. Dairy and cheesemaking techniques have been passed down through the generations and now, these traditional methods have five aged designations. Piave Mezzano DOP cheese, for example, was fresh and mild having aged for 61/180 days. Just take any of the cheeses from the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before enjoying and while waiting, pour the Spumante!

The wines I tasted were those that I’ll purchase again and again. Garda DOC from Cantina di Custoza is a bright and rich blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano and Friuliano. Terra del Custoza is located on the morainic hills southeast of Lake Garda and includes the municipalities of Sommacampagna, Valeggio sul Mincio, Villafranca di Verona, Bussolengo and Sona. Joyous and bubbly, the wine made a delectable aperitif with the Piave cheeses as well as a wine to sip throughout the meal. Think of fresh Alpine air and you’ll know what I mean! Bright citrus, vibrant acidity, orchard fruit and the slightest hints of lemon and lime zest were “ahhhhh” worthy!

Perla Del Garda Extra Brut of 100% Chardonnay burst with aromas and flavors of herbs, rich orchard fruit, grilled pineapple, ripe golden apples… so refreshing. Perla del Garda is the only winery in the area to have introduced “fall winemaking, inspired by the processing of grapes and must by gravity without the use of pumps until the end of the fermentation process.” It has obtained the “Make it Sustainable” certification and participates in the “Viva Sustainable Wine” program of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture.

The perfect pairing? Absolutely!

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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