The region between Verona and Lake Garda is renowned for both the all-year-round beauty of its landscape and its fine white wines. Here, wine production is a display of tastes, traditions and culture that offers tourists memorable wine tour opportunities.
As for “Garda” D.O.P. extra virgin olive oil, the quality of D.O.C. and D.O.C.G. wines from Lake Garda and the close surrounding Veneto region is monitored and protected by special consortia that represent some of the most prestigious wine regions in Italy. Which are the most renowned white wines from this area? And what dishes do they pair with?
White wines from Verona and Garda
Lower Garda mineral-rich clay land enjoys the lake’s mild climate. Wine making tradition on the hills in this area dates back centuries and is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy wines with a taste that blends with the land and its history.
LUGANA: a white wine produced in the Lower Lake Garda area, on specific clay-rich soil, derived from the last glaciations that formed Lake Garda. Lugana can be vibrant, light, sparkling but also structured and deep; to be kept in a cellar and enjoyed after a few years to perceive the hues that only wines with great character can offer. Produced from autochthonous “Turbiana” grapes, Lugana comes in 4 varieties: Superiore, Riserva, Vendemmia Tardiva and Spumante.
What dishes does it pair with? Ideal as an aperitif or with pastas, pizza, fresh cheese and freshwater fish.
CUSTOZA: a fresh white wine, slightly aromatic and easy to drink, pairs with many dishes, Custoza is produced with Garganega, Trebbianello and Bianca Fernanda grapes that endow it with its typical straw-yellow colour. The production area includes only 9 municipalities in the province of Verona: Sommacampagna, Villafranca di Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio, Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Castelnuovo del Garda, Pastrengo, Bussolengo and Sona.
What dishes does it pair with? Excellent with saltwater and freshwater fish, with fried food, vegetables such as Broccoletto di Custoza and especially good enjoyed with tortellini di Valeggio and pumpkin-filled tortelli from Mantua.
SOAVE: a DOC white wine that accounts for almost half of the entire controlled origin production in the province of Verona. Soave has a straw-yellow colour with greenish nuances and an aroma that is both intense and delicate. Bone dry and aromatic, with notes of bitterness.
What dishes does it pair with? Soave can be paired with a variety of dishes, from starters with anchovies and salame, to any soups or pasta dishes; it goes well with fish, vegetables and cheese, including Taleggio and Grana Padano.
Don’t miss the next issue of our magazine dedicated to the world of wine: we will talk about red wines, how they are produced, how to describe them and which foods they pair with!
