Bardolino Chiaretto Classico DOC 2024 (3 bottles)

Bardolino Chiaretto Classico DOC 2024 / Le Morette / Veneto

Container of 3 bottles

Rosé wine from Italy

Le Morette is a family-run winery founded in 1960, nestled in Peschiera del Garda within a narrow strip of land that separates the southern shores of Lake Garda from Lake Frassino - right in the heart of the Lugana DOC. Now in its third generation, the estate remains true to its founding philosophy: to uphold the highest respect for the environment and to apply sustainable principles both in the vineyard and the cellar. The name “Le Morette” derives from the wild duck species that populates the shores of Lake Frassino, lending this enchanting region its distinctive charm.

The Bardolino Classico Chiaretto from Le Morette is crafted—like its red counterpart, Bardolino DOC—from a blend of three grape varieties. First among them is Corvina, a red grape predominantly grown in the Veneto region. Small and tightly clustered, its thick skins and high acidity contribute vibrant notes of red berries, cherries and spice. The second variety, Rondinella, produces lighter wines with lower alcohol. Its large, loosely packed grapes and thin skins yield delicate aromas of cherries, berries and subtle spice. Completing the trio is Molinara, a late-ripening red grape that imparts the wine’s pale hue and a gentle touch of bitterness.

All grapes for the Bardolino Chiaretto are cultivated in the historic area surrounding the town of Bardolino, which grants the wine its “Classico” designation. The vines are trained using the Guyot system on soils rich in glacial moraine sediments—typical of the southern Lake Garda region. The proximity to the lake, the protective presence of Monte Baldo shielding the vineyards from northern winds, and the sun-drenched morainic hills create ideal conditions for viticulture. Harvesting is done by hand during the final days of September, with the grapes swiftly transported to the cellar. There, they are destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 18°C. The must undergoes a brief maceration with the skins for four to six hours, followed by a week-long fermentation without skin contact at the same temperature. After a short maturation period of one month in bottle, the Bardolino Chiaretto Classico from Le Morette is released to the market—presented here as an elegant set of three 0.75-litre bottles, ideal for sharing or gifting.

In the glass, the Bardolino Chiaretto Classico DOC reveals a brilliant rosé hue and opens with a beautifully balanced bouquet—initially floral, then gently unfolding into soft fruit notes. On the palate, this refined rosé is delicately dry, with pronounced fruit character and a refreshing vibrancy. Its long, dry finish echoes the wine’s distinctive personality.

Best enjoyed at a serving temperature of around 13 to 14 degrees Celsius, the Bardolino Chiaretto is a superb aperitif, awakening the palate and enlivening the senses. It also pairs wonderfully with a wide array of light dishes, including Mediterranean starters, freshwater and saltwater fish, pizza, sushi, soups, grilled or baked fish, as well as tender poultry and white meats. Its remarkable versatility makes it a delightful companion to a broad spectrum of culinary experiences. Whether you opt for a light meal or something heartier, this set of three bottles of Bardolino Chiaretto from Le Morette will elevate the occasion and lend a touch of elegance to any moment.

General properties

• Vintage: 2024
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Volume: 2.25 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Le Morette/Azienda Agricola Valerio Zenato - Viale Indipendenza - San Benedetto di Lugana - 37019 Peschiera del Garda (Verona) - Italia - +39 045 7552724
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grape varieties: Corvina (55%), Molinara (10%) and Rondinella (35%).
• Cultivation system: Traditional trellis cultivation, 3,000 grapevines per hectare.
• Vintage: Last week of September. The grapes are hand-pricked.
• Vinification: Following a selective harvest of the grapes - primarily Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara – the must undergoes a brief period of skin contact lasting only a few hours. This gentle maceration allows for the extraction of the delicate rosé colour and the wine’s fine aromatic compounds. The must is then softly pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature, typically between 16 and 18 °C, to preserve its fresh, fruity and floral primary aromas. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, ensuring a clean and vibrant style. Malolactic fermentation is generally avoided to maintain the wine’s lively acidity. After fermentation, the wine rests briefly on its fine lees, gaining additional texture and complexity before being filtered and bottled.
• Ageing: The wine is bottle-aged for a minimum of one month before being released to the market, allowing it to settle and develop its final balance.
• Scent: The wine opens with delicate aromas of red berries, notably strawberry and raspberry. These are complemented by vibrant citrus notes such as grapefruit and blood orange. Subtle floral hints - reminiscent of rose petals and white blossoms - add an extra layer of elegance and finesse to the overall aromatic profile.
• Taste: On the palate, the wine reveals a light and vibrant character, supported by a well-balanced acidity. The fruit-driven notes continue seamlessly, leading into a long, refreshing finish. Despite its dry style, it remains soft and harmoniously structured. The texture is sleek and elegant, enhanced by a subtle mineral touch. The finely integrated acidity accentuates the wine’s freshness and encourages a lively flow. A delicate hint of bitterness in the aftertaste - typical of the Molinara grape - adds a final, distinctive nuance to the overall flavour profile.
• Colour: Delicate salmon pink.
• Alcohol content: 12.0 % Vol.
• Acid: 6.30 g/l
• pH: 3.20
• Dry extract: 19,50 g/l
• Closure type: Screw cap.
• Serving suggestion: A versatile companion to light, Mediterranean cuisine, this rosé pairs beautifully with antipasti, summer salads, grilled vegetables and fish dishes. Its fresh, fruit-forward character also complements seafood, white meats and sushi with ease. As an aperitif, it delights with its vibrant structure and invigorating acidity, setting the tone for a refined and refreshing dining experience.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 13 and 14°C.
• Ingredients: Grapes, yeast, yeast derivatives, tartaric acid, preservative: sulphur dioxide (sulphites).
• Allergen: Contains sulphites.
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• EAN (bottle): 8033986840096
• Scope of supply: 3 disposable bottles a 0.75 litres = 2.25 litres.

Grape variety

CORVINA

The Corvina is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The exact origin of the Corvina vine is not clearly known, but it is believed to be an indigenous grape variety that has been cultivated in this area for centuries. The leaves of the Corvina vine are medium to large, rounded, and dark green in colour. The tendrils are long and flexible, which allows the vine to develop and grow well. Its clusters are generally medium-sized and grow into a loose and conical structure. The berries are medium-sized and have a thick, blue-black skin. The Corvina vine has a late ripening period, meaning the grapes are not harvested until late in the fall. This helps the berries reach optimal ripeness and concentration of aromas. The Corvina has adapted to the specific climate, soil and growing conditions of the Veneto region. Combined with other local grape varieties such as Rondinella and Molinara, it is often blended in different proportions to create complex and balanced wines.

MOLINARA

Molinara is also a red grape variety that is mainly grown in northern Italy, especially in the Veneto region. It is traditionally one of the main ingredients of the famous Valpolicella wine, produced in the province of Verona. It is known that Italian grape varieties are sometimes named after external characteristics or shapes of the grapes. For this reason, "Molinara" could be derived from the Italian word "mulino", which means "mill", and which could allude to the shape of the grapes, which can look like millstones. The Molinara vine is a vigorous plant with medium-sized leaves. The medium-sized, thin-skinned fruits hang in loose, conical, or cylindrical clusters. The berries are also medium-sized and round in shape. The colour of the berries can range from a light red to a darker purple. Molinara grapes have medium to late ripening. They are known for retaining good acidity levels, resulting in wines with freshness and vibrancy. Overall, the Molinara grape variety has adapted to local climatic and soil conditions over time. The growing areas near Verona and around Lake Garda offer a Mediterranean climate and calcareous soils that are favourable for growing quality grapes. Molinara has a long tradition in the Valpolicella region, where it has been used in wine production for centuries. It is traditionally part of the blends for Valpolicella wines, including the famous Amarone and Recioto.

RONDINELLA

The origins of the autochthonous Rondinella grape variety lie in the northern Italian region of Veneto and here in particular on the calcareous soils of the hills of the Valpolicella subzones Valpolicella Classico and Valpolicella Valpantena. The name "Rondinella" comes from Italian and means "little swallow". The grape variety could therefore derive its name from the shape of the grapes, which are slightly oval and reminiscent of the shape of a bird, or it could refer to the fact that swallows like to eat these grapes. The leaves of the Rondinella plant are typically medium-sized, rounded, and deep green. As with most vines, the glossy leaves are serrated. Their clusters are usually compact and medium-sized. They have a conical shape and are loosely arranged on the grape stems. The berries themselves are small to medium sized and surrounded by a thick skin. The colour varies depending on the level of ripeness from green to blue and finally, when fully ripe, to a dark purple or black. Rondinella vines tend to have moderate vigour and the plant is well adapted to the continental climate of the Veneto region. The tannins of Rondinella wines are usually soft and well-integrated. This makes them accessible and pleasant to drink, even at a young age. Typically, Rondinella is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Corvina and Molinara to create complex and balanced Valpolicella wines. A well-known example is Amarone, in which the grapes are dried before fermentation to promote more concentrated aroma development.