Benaco Bresciano

The Protected Geographical Indication "Benaco Bresciano" includes two types of wine: white, even in the sparkling and raisin types; red, also in the novello type.

Grapes

For white wines can be used the following grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Renano, Riesling Italico, Trebbiano di Soave, Trebbiano Toscano, Pinot Grigio, Incrocio Manzoni. For red wines the following grape varieties can be used: Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, Sangiovese, Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Pinot nero, Rebo N. The specification of the grape varieties Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot grigio, Trebbiano, Incrocio Manzoni, is reserved for white wines made from grapes from vineyards composed of at least 85% of the corresponding vines. The grapes of the correspondingly colored grape varieties, suitable for cultivation in the Lombardia Region, may contribute to the production, up to a maximum of 15%.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The red wine (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 10.50% vol.) has a ruby red colour, combined with a broad, vinous aroma and a pleasant, harmonious taste. The Novello version (11.00% vol.) can have purplish nuances, a more fruity scent with a fresh taste. The white (10.00% vol.), however, is characterized by a straw yellow color with greenish reflections, exudes a fresh and delicate and has a harmonious flavor, velvety. The parameters vary according to the different grape varieties that can be used. For sparkling Benaco Bresciano, the minimum alcohol content must be 10.00% vol.

Grape production area

The production area includes a large morainic amphitheatre, i.e. a succession of hilly circles interspersed with small flat areas, south of Lake Garda, between Verona, Mantova and Brescia.

Specificity and historical notes

Although there is no specific information on the introduction of the vine in this area, some sources report that already in the first century, the wine of Lake Garda was much appreciated by the Romans under the name of Rhaetian Wine: Suetonius says that the Rhaetian was the wine preferred by the Emperor Augustus.