Lake Garda: 3 culinary specialties you didn't know.

Lago di Garda, the largest lake in Italy, oh no, this is not one of the three curiosities you didn't know about, but it's good to remember it.
 

Historical and Geographical Curiosities about Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest Italian lake with a surface area of about 370 km² and has a maximum depth of 346 meters.
It is located in 3 Italian regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, and it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, as demonstrated by the archaeological finds in the area.
The first known village in the area dates back to the Roman era.
 

Beautiful but let's move on to the culinary curiosities

Here are the 3 curiosities about Lake Garda:

1. Lake Garda is renowned for being the northernmost olive oil production area in the world.
The olive oil produced here has a delicate and fruity flavor, thanks to the mild climate and the terraced hills overlooking the lake.
 

2. The Lemons of Limone sul Garda did not give rise to the name.
The town of Limone sul Garda, located on the western shore of the lake, is famous for lemon cultivation. Due to the particular microclimate of the area, the lemons of Limone sul Garda have a thick and fragrant peel and are used to prepare desserts, liqueurs, and cosmetic products; however, the name Limone comes from "Limen," meaning "border" between Brescia and Trentino.
 

3. Lake Garda is the lake with the most controlled designation of origin (DOC) and typical geographical indication (IGT) with a total of 22.
 

What are the designations overlooking Lake Garda?

These are the main ones:
 

1. Lugana DOC: located in the southeastern part of Lake Garda, this DOC is famous for its white wines produced mainly with Turbiana grapes (or Trebbiano di Lugana). Lugana wines are known for their freshness, balanced acidity, and floral notes.
    

2. Bardolino DOC: extends along both shores of Lake Garda and includes the surrounding hilly areas. The Bardolino DOC mainly produces red wines, which can be sparkling or still. These wines are generally light, with a fruity aromatic profile and a fresh taste.
    

3. Custoza DOC: this DOC is located in the southeastern part of Lake Garda and primarily produces white wines. The grapes used include Garganega, Trebbiano, Fernanda, and other local varieties. Custoza wines are characterized by a fresh, floral, and fruity taste.
    

4. Valpolicella DOC: although not directly adjacent to the lake (but very close), the Valpolicella DOC extends into the hills northwest of Lake Garda. This area is famous for its red wines, particularly Amarone della Valpolicella, Ripasso della Valpolicella, and Valpolicella Classico. These wines are mainly produced with grapes like Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, and offer a complex aromatic profile and rich flavor.
    

And then:
 

1. Bardolino Chiaretto DOC
2. Garda Bresciano DOC
3. Garda DOC
4. Riviera del Garda Bresciano DOC
5. San Martino della Battaglia DOC
6. Trento DOC
7. Valtenesi DOC
8. Valtènesi Chiaretto DOC
    

Then there are the IGT wines (Typical Geographical Indications):
 

1. Benaco Bresciano IGT
2. Benaco Lombardo IGT
3. Colline Veronesi IGT
4. Garda IGT
5. Garda Colli Mantovani IGT
6. Garda Orientale IGT
7. Ronchi di Brescia IGT
8. Rubino del Lago di Garda Bresciano IGT
9. Terrazze Retiche di Sarezzo IGT
10. Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT

Now all you have to do is show off these gems the first time you're offered these wines!

Fabio De Vecchi