2023 Allegrini Corte Giara Bardolino, Veneto

Allegrini Corte Giara Bardolino from Veneto is a fresh, charming and quietly sophisticated red that captures the lighter, more delicate side of northern Italian wine. Bardolino sits on the eastern shores of Lake Garda, where cooling breezes, gentle sunshine and glacial morainic soils shape wines of fragrance, brightness and drinkability rather than weight. Corte Giara is Allegrini’s expression of everyday Veneto wines made with the same care and pedigree as their flagship Valpolicella estates. The blend typically features Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, grown on limestone and clay soils that encourage lifted aromatics and supple structure. Fermentation is gentle and traditional, with minimal oak influence to keep the wine pure and transparent.

The aromas are bright and immediately appealing. Sour cherry, red currant and wild strawberry sit alongside rose petal and a hint of blood orange. There is a subtle herbal note of bay leaf and thyme, with a faint almond and earthy undertone that adds quiet complexity without heaviness.

The palate is light to medium bodied, silky and refreshing. Juicy red fruits glide across soft, fine grained tannins, supported by lively acidity that makes the wine incredibly food friendly. Flavours of cherry skin, cranberry and red plum lead into a clean, dry finish with a gentle savoury edge and a whisper of mineral freshness. It can even be lightly chilled, enhancing its brightness and making it a perfect warm weather red.

A natural partner for antipasti, prosciutto and salami, pizza, tomato based pasta, roast chicken, grilled vegetables or lake fish dishes. Corte Giara Bardolino is all about balance, charm and effortless drinkability, classic Veneto style without pretension.