The soils are morainic, consisting mainly of pebbles and sands of ancient glacial deposits. They are poor and very draining soils, ideal for quality-oriented viticulture and where Groppello has found its own land of choice.
Actually it would be more correct to talk about a family of Groppello grapes, since the vine is present in different clones and with various names: Groppello Gentile, Groppello di Mocasina and the Groppello di Santo Stefano.
Groppello Mocasina produces more intense and full-bodied wines, while the Groppello Gentile produces wines with a softer medium acidity, tending towards a bright ruby, with a good body and more spicy.
It is a delicate grape, which must be carefully cultivated, leaving few bunches per plant, so that they can reach full ripeness with a good balance between sugars and acids. Thanks to these characteristics of fineness, it is particularly suitable for vinification in rosé. Together with Barbera, Sangiovese and Marzemino, it is used to produce the famous Valtènesi Chiaretto (to see further: Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico Chiaretto Dop)
Few people know that in the first half of the twentieth century when grandfather Giovanni, the forefather of the Franzosi family, decided to found this agricultural reality in Puegnago del Garda, he sold only bulk wine and mostly red wines (you may be interested: “Cantine Franzosi 2.0: the union between innovation and tradition “).
The name Groppello derives from the dialect expression groppo (knot), which indicates the tight structure of the bunch, compact like a pinecone.
As we have seen, the Garda Classico Groppello Dop is produced selecting the best grapes of three native vines and among the oldest in the area.
The healthiest and most mature bunches – still harvested by hand – undergo the traditional process of vinification in red, leaving the must in contact with the skins for about 4-6 days.
It has a ruby red color with notes of red berry fruit, savory and elegant.
Thanks to the good structure that distinguishes it, over the years Groppello Franzosi is much appreciated not only in Italy, but also abroad.
Bright ruby red color, with violet reflections.
Note of wildberry, currants, blackberries and a pleasant spicy note.
It has a medium body, with a harmonious and balanced sip. The tannins are thin and the freshness is enlivened by a savory finish.
Do you believe that the Garda Classico Groppello PDO is a wine of difficult combination?
Thanks to its persistence and body, the Groppello Franzosi is perfect with first courses, grilled red meats and medium-aged cheeses.
The oldest and most loved pairing by consumers in the area is certainly with the famous spit bresciano.