Chiaretto di Bardolino: A Northern Italian Rosé with Alpine Ancestry and a Mediterranean Vibe

“To understand the wines, look at the mountains,” said Angelo Peretti, Director of the Bardolino DOC, during a stroll around the charming town of Garda. Our group of journalists and media were invited to explore the region of Bardolino through wine, food and culture and help celebrate the new releases of Chiaretto di Bardolino, the Italian dry rosé of Corvina and Rondinella, indigenous grapes produced in Northern Italy along the hillsides embracing the shores of Lake Garda.

 

A Confluence of Alpine Soils and a Mediterranean Climate

Angelo explained the effect of the mountains. “The freshness and bursts of minerality of Chiaretto originate in the soil,” he stated while pointing to the steep mountains. The production areas of Chiaretto and Bardolino overlap and occupy the Venetian segment of the morainic amphitheater-like hills where Corvina is cultivated. These hills were etched out by ancient glaciers that swept rocks from the Alpine mountains and moved them downwards.

The soils are varied (as much as 66 types) due to the glacial deposits that shaped the Garda basin and by those that descended into the Adige Valley thousands upon thousands of years ago. The different glaciers left a vast number of materials – pebbles, gravel, boulders, hard layers of loess and clays. In the Alto Garda, dolomite deposits, once used for the production of magnesium, are found.

And the Mediterranean climate? The waters of Lake Garda are colder than the air in the summer and warmer in the winter. Hot summers and cold winter temperatures are mitigated despite being located at the foothills of the Alps. With abundant sunshine and lake breezes, lemon trees, olive trees, Mediterranean garrigue and grapevines thrive.

Drink Pink from Northern Italy! Drink Chiaretto di Bardolino

“Pink wine” has been produced since the Roman era when Lake Garda was part of the province Cisalpine Gaul (“cis” means “on this side of the Alps”) of Northern Italy. Transalpine Gaul (“trans” means “on the other side of the Alps”) included France and the current location of Provence. In both areas, viticulture took place in Roman country villas where wine presses were utilized. Grapes were pressed with very little maceration resulting in wines with varied hues of pink – wines from both Provence and Lake Garda were produced the same.

It Italian, “chiaro” means “pale.” “Chiaretto” means “a lighter shade of pale.” By limiting the juice’s exposure to the grape skins, the color stays pale. And the name “Chiaretto di Bardolino” underscores not only its pale color, but its home in the town of Bardolino.

Whether you describe the color of Chiaretto di Bardolino as ballet slipper pink, rose gold, salmon, onion skin, peony pink, sunset pink, pale ruby or your favorite pink flower, the wines are eye-catching and beg to be explored. In the glass, mesmerizing aromas of citrus, small red berries and wildflowers lean in to notes of baking spice and crisp green apple. On the refreshing palate, salinity, minerality, vibrant acidity and notes of citrus pave the path to a lingering finish.

During the several days in the region, I found plenty of Chiaretto di Bardolino to love. Among the Chiaretto I tasted and available in the United States are those from producers Le Fraghe, La Rocca, Corte Gardoni, Monte de Fra and Casaretti. Each rosé exuded an individual style but all were bright, mineral-driven, fresh and exceptional complements to foods I crave.

The beauty of Chiaretto di Bardolino is not only from its range of hues and flavors, but in its ability to pair with food. Served chilled and not too cold, this dry, light rosé from Northern Italy is delightful as an aperitif, with appetizers of charcuterie and cheeses, and sipped with fish with sauce or grilled to perfection, caprese salad, pizza, pasta dishes with meat, fish or vegetables, any style of shrimp, paella and sushi. The list is endless – trust me, I tasted them all with a glass of Chiaretto in hand!

Cheers! ~ Cindy

Note: In 2017, Chiaretto di Bardolino (rosé wines) and Bardolino (red wines only) have become two distinct DOCs “in order to better enhance the two products.” Bardolino has now concentrated its efforts in promoting their three sub-zones: La Rocca (representing the ancient Bardolino district), Montebaldo (the foothill area of Monte Baldo) and Sommacampagna (the southern hills). Each has a unique identity having been already identified at the end of the 19^th century. The new DOC and three sub-zones are effective with the 2018 vintage. Soon, my article regarding the red wines of Bardolino will be published so stay tuned!