One territory, one vineyard, one wine: Valtènesi

Valtènesi is a Doc area overlooking the Brescia shore of Lake Garda. A territory where vine cultivation boasts ancient origins, dating back as far as pre-Roman times. Here is where Groppello, a large native grape variety representing the main wine heritage of the area, found its elective homeland. Then there is Valtènesi, a rosé with a centuries-old tradition, whose production process was first codified in 1896 by the Venetian senator Pompeo Molmenti. Approximately one thousand hectares of vineyards, with a total of 96 associated producers.

Municipalities

Sirmione
Also known as the Pearl of Garda, famous for its thermal baths, Sirmione is one of the capitals of Garda tourism.  Anyone visiting Garda for the first time must not miss the walk in the old town, which from the iconic Scaliger castle leads to the archaeological site of the Caves of Catullo.

Desenzano
With its charming ancient port, dominated by a lighthouse that has now become one of the symbols of Benaco, Desenzano is one of the most dynamic and lively centres of the Garda Riviera. An ideal destination for shopping or an aperitif in the sixteenth-century Piazza Malvezzi, but also rich in important historical sites such as the nearby Torre di San Martino.

Moniga
Moniga has always been known as the City of Chiaretto, as Valènesi is traditionally known. A small but welcoming seaside town with large beaches, clear waters and a splendid castle overlooking the lake where every year on the first weekend of June "Italia in Rosa" is held, the most important show of Italian rosé wines organised by the Valtènesi Consortium.

PUEGNAGO
Perched on the morainic hills, Puegnago is one of the main production resources of the Valtènesi area. A significant part of the vineyard heritage of the denomination is concentrated here, yet the abundance of olive trees is also what characterises the landscape. It is no coincidence therefore that the Valtènesi Consortium set up its head offices in the historic halls of Villa Galnica.

SALO'
A village full of history, which still today captivates visitors with its cordial charm, the incomparable beauty of its long walk by the lake and the elegance of its historic centre offering a wide choice of shops and bars as well as quality dining. This is where Tassoni, the producer of the famous Cedrata, is based.

GARDONE RIVIERA
Also called the garden city of Garda, Gardone Riviera has been the cradle of Central European tourism since the late 1800s. Its fame is linked to the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, who built the much visited Vittoriale degli Italiani here. Today, in its gardens a rosé is produced born from the partnership with the Valtènesi Consortium.

FROM THE RIVIERA TO THE HINTERLAND
The Valtènesi landscape extends between the coast and the vine-clad hills, the last corner of the Mediterranean at the foot of the alps. From the beaches of Manerba (a visit to the natural oasis of the Parco della Rocca is a must) to those of San Felice, up to Polpenazze (home of the historic Wine Fair) and through villages and countryside from Bedizzole to Calvagese to reach Muscoline.