Valtènesi Chiaretto wine boasts ancient origins and derives from a love story between Venetian Senator Pompeo Molmenti and Noblewoman Amalia Brunati. She brought him in dowry the splendid Villa Brunati in Moniga del Garda along with various lands. He was a great wine enthusiast and codified the Chiaretto production process for the first time: a few hours of contact between the must and grape skins and then the ritual of nocturnal racking to obtain that typical pink colour.
We are at the end of the nineteenth century on the shores of Lake Garda, right where Chiaretto del Garda was born. This is one of the first Italian wines which obtained the Doc recognition, on 21st July 1967.
Chiaretto is a refined wine produced from the black grapes of four varieties from the Valtènesi area: Groppello Gentile, Barbera, Marzemino and Sangiovese. According to tradition, the first bunches of the Garda Classico grape harvest are destined for the production of Chiaretto.
For oenologists, this is one of the most difficult wines to work with, since during the winemaking process temperature and time play fundamental roles in obtaining the soft pink colour typical of this wine.
The fermentation temperature must be constant and the time that determines the wine colour and flavour must be quite short, from 6 to 8 hours – roughly one night -, this is the reason why this wine is also called the “one-night wine”. It is therefore necessary to grasp the exact moment to separate the must from the grape skins: from year to year, this varies according to the seasonal trend as well as to the grape ripeness and health degree.
The Chiaretto wine produced by Cantina Franzosi, Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico Chiaretto Dop, is a wine that goes well with cold cuts, cheeses like the typical Tremosine Formaggella, grilled and baked fish, baked poultry and roast white meat.
Its versatility at the table goes well with many other local products including Salò truffle, a fine variety of prized Bresciano black truffle.
In some restaurants of the Garda area you can taste excellent pasta with truffles accompanied by a glass of Chiaretto wine.
Chiaretto della Valtènesi also matches the taste of lake fish, in particular Coregone: its flesh is very delicate and usually requires not too elaborate preparations.
Another pairing you must try is the one with sushi: although it may seem an unusual choice, it is highly appreciated among oriental cuisine lovers.
It is a fresh and pleasant wine with good balance between fruit and acidity, ideal for celebrating the arrival of summer.
We also recommend it as an aperitif wine, maybe to sip on a terrace looking at the sunset.
Book your visit to our winery to discover Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico Chiaretto Dop wine.
