Story: Bardolino | Classic
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Bardolino - The underrated classic from Lake Garda
Bardolino is a traditional red wine from the Veneto region, which comes from the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda. It is known as a light-footed, fruity wine that is ideal for everyday and carefree enjoyment. However, despite its long history and great popularity, Bardolino has to contend with some prejudices. In the 1950s and 60s, it was so often copied and mass-produced that its reputation was tarnished. It was not until 1968 that it was awarded the protected designation of origin DOC - an important step to ensure quality and preserve its identity.

Bardolino is often wrongly labeled as a “pizza wine” - a label that does not do justice to its true quality. Anyone who takes a closer look at it quickly realizes that there is much more to this cuvée of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara than first impressions might suggest. Especially in the Classico zone around the towns of Bardolino, Garda and Lazise, wines with great finesse, character and regional expression are produced.

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From mass product to character wine
A prime example of this new Bardolino quality is the wine from Bianca Osele from the Colli di Cipressi winery. Anyone who tastes her Bardolino will have to fundamentally rethink their opinion of this type of wine. Signora Osele distanced herself from mass production early on and focuses on low yields, selective harvesting and natural viticulture. Her philosophy is clear: less quantity, but more quality. She only harvests around 2-3 kilograms of grapes per vine - a measure that guarantees concentrated, healthy grapes and thus an expressive must.

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Osele preserves the terroir and the natural character of the wine through gentle vinification and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their Bardolino Classico Superiore first matures for a year in barrels and then for a further year in the bottle. The result is a delicate, elegant red wine with a ruby red color, violet reflections, delicate cherry and garnet tones and a spicy aroma. It is lively on the palate, with smoky, peppery notes, a balanced structure and a dry, long finish. A wine that you would hardly expect to find under the name Bardolino.

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Lightness with sophistication
However, it is not only single-vineyard wines such as those from Colli di Cipressi that show the potential of this region. Other producers are also increasingly focusing on quality rather than quantity. The protected designations Bardolino Classico and Bardolino Superiore stand for the best origins and styles. While the classic Bardolino shines in its lightness, the Superiore brings more depth, structure and spice due to the longer maturation period - but always remains easy to drink and accessible.

Last but not least, Bardolino impresses with its versatility: it goes perfectly with pasta, pizza, grilled vegetables or antipasti. Served slightly chilled, it is an excellent alternative to stronger red wines or rosés, especially in summer. With its moderate alcohol content and fresh acidity, it brings a Mediterranean feel to the glass.

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Conclusion: More than just an everyday wine
Bardolino is back - not as a mass-produced wine, but as a high-quality, authentic red wine with a regional identity. Anyone who is still prejudiced against it today is missing out on one of the most charming facets of Italian viticulture. Thanks to dedicated winemakers such as Bianca Osele, Bardolino impressively demonstrates that lightness and sophistication need not be a contradiction in terms. A wine that wants to be rediscovered - and more than deserves it. - Gerardo [TS06/25]