Turina Vini: The Best of Lake Garda | Italy

If you find yourself desiring to drive around Italy's Lake Garda in an Aston Martin like James Bond in Quantum of Solace, remember to keep your eyes on the prize and to go slow, as the pleasure of wine tasting awaits you at Turina Vini.

Beyond the wondrously winding lakeside passages where pastel painted villages look like a fresh fruit tarts overflowing with strawberries and peaches galore, is the beautiful town of Sirmione, where wealthy Veronese have vacationed since the 1st century B.C. and where medieval Scaligero Castle has stood lakeside since the 13th century. Just a few miles west of this historical area is the treasured family farm and vineyard of Turina, where multiple generations join hands and hearts in creating wonderful wines and olive oil made to be loved.

Lake Garda, Italy

Castle Simione, view at night

The area of Lake Garda is a microclimate nestled beneath the mountainous Italian Alps that stand as guardians, their graceful forms reflected onto turquoise crystal clear waters below, which is alluring to say the least.

In Spring and Summer the sweet scent of blossoming lemon trees is known to envelope the area, stirring the senses and arousing inner romantics. In this regard, it is no surprise that Lake Garda is very close to Verona, where Juliet bemoaned from her balcony, “Romeo, oh Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo.” Yes, this region is perhaps the best in Italy for star-cross’d lovers and those seeking to seize the day as 007...with a glass of wine in hand.

Winemaker's Interview:

Q | What is your story with the winery?

I chose to work at the winery because of the passion that my grandfather Gaudenzio passed on to me as a child. He will always be my inspiration...he taught me how passion and dedication for one's work is a fundamental step to obtain credible and gratifying results.

Q | What do you do to keep your wines and land healthy?

Positioned below the Garda Mountains, in a special microclimate, the land is naturally suited to the cultivation of vines. First rule of the vineyard is to respect the ecosystem. Which is why we use minimum products to protect the plants and intervene as little as possible with the natural grazing of the land.

Q | How many different grape varieties do you work with?

The Valtènesi and Lombardy Lugana wine regions are proud to have been able to cultivate their own native varieties for more than a century. For this reason, we cultivate Trebbiano di Lugana and the four grape varieties used throughout Italy for the production of great red wines: Valtènesi, Groppello (a variety grown only here), Sangiovese (used in Brunello di Montalcino & Chianti), Marzemino and Barbera.

The Valtènesi we have been cultivating and vinifying for almost two centuries; producing top rosé wines.

The rosé of Valtènesi Chiaretto is pale pink, fresh with vitality, revealing firm and delicate intensity with notes of wild strawberry. Perfectly pairing with summer meals where green olives, prosciutto and melon, and or dishes with slight spiciness are presented.

Q | What are your goals for the winery?

I hope that our wine can inspire within the customer a healthy curiosity for trying to understand the unique and unrepeatable ways of wine. This is a region for pleasure seeking enthusiasts who want to discover a rich oenological and gastronomic culture.

Q | Tell us a little bit about the food of your region. What is your favorite local restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Da Osvaldo in San Felice del Benaco. A historic restaurant, just a few steps from the lake, with a wide range of cuisine based on the fresh catch of the day, with local ingredients from within 100 miles. Si, it is one of those restaurants where you can truly taste the land.

Q | What do you eat at home with your wine?

At home, I also most enjoy eating fresh fish from the lake, which goes sublimely well with the delicate floral, fruity freshness of Fontananamora, our best rosé.

Vacation with TINTO Travel to truly taste the terroir and experience the best of Northern Italy!