Region: Veneto, Italy (Bardolino Chiaretto DOC)
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Barbera, Sangiovese
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Wild strawberry, pomegranate, blood orange, rose petals, crushed stones, zippy acidity, persistent savory finish
Pairing: Margherita pizza, sushi, prosciutto e melone, grilled zucchini, lakeside appetizers
Corte Gardoni is a stunning estate located in the morainic hills just southeast of Lake Garda, where the Piccoli family has been making wine since 1980. The "Nichesole" (meaning "nest of the sun") is their elevated take on Chiaretto, the traditional dry rosé of the region. While many rosés are treated as an afterthought, the Piccoli family treats this as a serious wine; they use the "Saignée" method to bleed off the juice after brief skin contact to ensure a vibrant, translucent pink hue and intense aromatics. The vineyards sit in a unique microclimate—the massive body of water that is Lake Garda acts as a thermal regulator, protecting the vines from the frost of the Alps while the "Ora" breeze keeps the grapes dry and healthy. This results in a rosé that isn't just fruity, but possesses a distinct, rocky minerality that reflects the glacial debris soils of the lake's southern shores.
Region: Veneto, Italy (Bardolino Chiaretto DOC)
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Barbera, Sangiovese
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Wild strawberry, pomegranate, blood orange, rose petals, crushed stones, zippy acidity, persistent savory finish
Pairing: Margherita pizza, sushi, prosciutto e melone, grilled zucchini, lakeside appetizers
Corte Gardoni is a stunning estate located in the morainic hills just southeast of Lake Garda, where the Piccoli family has been making wine since 1980. The "Nichesole" (meaning "nest of the sun") is their elevated take on Chiaretto, the traditional dry rosé of the region. While many rosés are treated as an afterthought, the Piccoli family treats this as a serious wine; they use the "Saignée" method to bleed off the juice after brief skin contact to ensure a vibrant, translucent pink hue and intense aromatics. The vineyards sit in a unique microclimate—the massive body of water that is Lake Garda acts as a thermal regulator, protecting the vines from the frost of the Alps while the "Ora" breeze keeps the grapes dry and healthy. This results in a rosé that isn't just fruity, but possesses a distinct, rocky minerality that reflects the glacial debris soils of the lake's southern shores.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.