Chiaretto Wine Guide: 3 Types of Chiaretto Wines

Chiaretto (meaning "pale" in Italian) is the name used for rosé wines produced near the shores of Lake Garda, where the wine regions of Veneto and Lombardy meet. Elsewhere in Italy, rosé is known as rosato.

Chiaretto has been produced around Lake Garda since at least 1896, but for most of its history, it was known as a dark pink wine with a short shelf-life. It was rarely drunk outside of Italy. In 2014, winemakers in the Lake Garda area began experimenting with French rosé techniques to produce lighter Chiaretto wines with greater aging potential. Today, both styles can be found near Lake Garda.

Around Lake Garda, there are several sub-regions producing Chiaretto under their own appellations, including:

1. 1. Bardolino: Chiaretto di Bardolino (formerly known as Bardolino Chiaretto) is the rosé version of a red wine made in the Veneto region of Lake Garda. It is made primarily from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes—sometimes with the addition of Merlot.
2. 2. Lugana: Lugana is a small region on the border of Lombardy–Veneto border at the southern tip of Lake Garda that produces a blush pink to deep red Chiaretto. It is made from Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera grape varieties.
3. 3. Valtènesi: In the Lombardy region, southwest of Lake Garda, an indigenous grape called Groppello is used to make Chiaretto.

The flavor of Chiaretto varies according to terroir and winemaking techniques. Chiaretto ranges in color from pale pink to light red, with a darker color indicating a longer period of skin contact. Although it may be still or sparkling, chiaretto is almost always a dry rosé. Common tasting notes include a mineral, salty flavor reminiscent of the sea air; a fresh, citrus acidity; and a tannic finish.

Try Chiaretto with Italian classics like bruschetta, pasta in a tomato-based sauce, pizza, and seafood. If you want to serve Chiaretto with a charcuterie plate, pair it with hard, mild cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or manchego; cured hams like prosciutto or serrano ham; and green olives.

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