Corte Gardoni Bardolino “Le Fontane” 2019

The Piccoli family has owned vineyards in the Veneto since the year 1600. In addition to being known for their rich tradition of winemaking, but Proprietor, Gianni Piccoli is an important advocate in the community for the planting and growing of indigenous varietals, fighting back at those in the region that want to transition to the French varietals like Merlot and Chardonnay that they feel will be more marketable on a large scale.

Those of you who have bucked conventional Pinot Grigio in favor of Corte Gardoni’s Custoza Greoto know exactly how much better wine can get when it gets slightly outside the box. The Piccoli family has been farming for generations, and their dedication to the land shows. In addition to their 23 hectacres under vine, Gianni and his three sons sustainably farm grapes, apricots, peaches and kiwi on the shores of Lake Gardam, where old vines rooted in gravelly, porous soil, yield an aromatic, high-toned red blend of Corvina and Rodinella that combine for a juicy core of cherry, pomegranate and orange zest with a bust of vibrancy and minerality to boot on the finish.