Castel del Lago Garda DOC 2019

Matteo Bernabei learned winemaking from one of the best in the business – his father is the legendary Franco Bernabei, aka the talent behind Italian icons like $100+ Fontodi Flaccianello. But Matteo has stepped out of his father’s shadow and is now earning HUGE acclaim for his own wines. We can’t wait for you to try this gorgeous example ...

Castel del Lago hails from the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy’s Veneto region. Vineyards planted around the lake benefit from brilliant sunlight (reflected by the water) and cool breezes, which combine to help grapes ripen to perfection, while retaining freshness. Thanks to the great 2018 vintage, quality in this prime spot was at a high.

Matteo and his team hand harvested the Garganega and Chardonnay grapes for Castel del Lago in the cool of the early morning (another way to preserve freshness). In the cellar, Matteo allowed the wine to mature on its lees for several months, which imparted the creamy texture and increased flavor complexity. The result is a dazzling 2018 release that’s a delicious follow-up to the previous vintage, which earned a 95-point score from Italy’s leading critic, Luca Maroni, for its “soft, expressive, and perfectly balanced” palate.

You’re in for vibrant citrus blossom and nectarine aromas, followed by a creamy, luscious palate that bursts with tangerine, apricot, and white peach flavors. This lovely white will make a delicious aperitivo, but Matteo suggests serving it with cold cuts, grilled fish, or summer salads.

Country	Italy
Varietal	White Blend
Region	Veneto
Alcohol	12.0
Volume	750ML
Vintage	2019