A land, a method, a wine
Rosé is the wine of our land — a child of its history,
its geography, and a September night.
THE UNIQUE MICROCLIMATE OF LAKE GARDA
With depths reaching over 300 meters and stretching more than 50 kilometers, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy — and it plays a major role in shaping the local climate. It drives winds, influences rainfall, and softens the harshness of Alpine winters. A patch of Mediterranean flavor and color framed by the Alps, this “Mediterranean of the North” has long supported the cultivation of capers, citrons, olives, and wine grapes — and is the northernmost place in the world where lemons are grown.
VALTÈNESI, A MEDITERRANEAN CORNER AT THE FOOT OF THE ALPS
Valtènesi lies on the lake’s western shore — a hilly region framed by Lake Garda to the east, the Chiese Valley to the west, mountain ranges to the north, and the Lugana plains to the south. Unlike Lugana, however, Valtènesi’s soils have a completely different geological origin. The hills that define the landscape were formed during the Ice Ages, when glaciers carved out the lake basin and pushed debris laterally, creating moraines of various compositions. The result is a highly diverse mix of soils across the area. The westernmost hills, like those where Cascina Belmonte stands, are the oldest moraines — softened by time, with gentle slopes and rounded shapes.
A MATTER OF METHOD
Viticulture and winemaking have ancient roots here, but the region’s modern identity was deeply shaped by one man: Pompeo Molmenti, a senator of the Kingdom of Italy. In 1890, he studied the land, the climate, and the Groppello grape — with the help of French agronomists — and realized that rosé could become the truest expression of this territory. He became the first in Italy to define a specific method for rosé winemaking, calling it Chiaretto (from the French Claret). In 1967, the area was officially granted Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) status.
GROPPELLO — DELICATE AND PRECIOUS
At the heart of it all lies a true enological rarity: Groppello, a grape variety found only in Valtènesi. Unique, fragile, and deeply tied to the land, it requires high-quality viticulture and great care. Its character defines the identity of the territory and gives Valtènesi wines their hallmark traits — delicacy, elegance, and finesse.
A heritage to be cherished and protected.
THE UNIQUE MICROCLIMATE OF LAKE GARDA
With depths reaching over 300 meters and stretching more than 50 kilometers, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy — and it plays a major role in shaping the local climate. It drives winds, influences rainfall, and softens the harshness of Alpine winters. A patch of Mediterranean flavor and color framed by the Alps, this “Mediterranean of the North” has long supported the cultivation of capers, citrons, olives, and wine grapes — and is the northernmost place in the world where lemons are grown.
VALTÈNESI, A MEDITERRANEAN CORNER AT THE FOOT OF THE ALPS
Valtènesi lies on the lake’s western shore — a hilly region framed by Lake Garda to the east, the Chiese Valley to the west, mountain ranges to the north, and the Lugana plains to the south. Unlike Lugana, however, Valtènesi’s soils have a completely different geological origin. The hills that define the landscape were formed during the Ice Ages, when glaciers carved out the lake basin and pushed debris laterally, creating moraines of various compositions. The result is a highly diverse mix of soils across the area. The westernmost hills, like those where Cascina Belmonte stands, are the oldest moraines — softened by time, with gentle slopes and rounded shapes.
A MATTER OF METHOD
Viticulture and winemaking have ancient roots here, but the region’s modern identity was deeply shaped by one man: Pompeo Molmenti, a senator of the Kingdom of Italy. In 1890, he studied the land, the climate, and the Groppello grape — with the help of French agronomists — and realized that rosé could become the truest expression of this territory. He became the first in Italy to define a specific method for rosé winemaking, calling it Chiaretto (from the French Claret). In 1967, the area was officially granted Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) status.
GROPPELLO — DELICATE AND PRECIOUS
At the heart of it all lies a true enological rarity: Groppello, a grape variety found only in Valtènesi. Unique, fragile, and deeply tied to the land, it requires high-quality viticulture and great care. Its character defines the identity of the territory and gives Valtènesi wines their hallmark traits — delicacy, elegance, and finesse.
A heritage to be cherished and protected.
