Lenotti
Bardolino, Veneto
Uniquely, the winery and estate of Lenotti fall only meters away from the coast of the impressive Lake Garda, the apex of Veneto, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna and the border of the Bardolino DOC. Even considering its origins as the young, Italian Beaujolais equivalent, Bardolino here is the noble wine. This is where Lenotti excels, their Bardolino is freshness personified, vibrant and singing with red fruits and spices. Along with this, our joint project of a young bistro red of Sangiovese and Merlot at their easydrinking best.
The sand here plays a big part in the character of the wines, as well as the unique ‘almost maritime’ climate offered by the enormous lake to the West. Even at very little altitude, the proximity to the lake provides plenty of cooling breeze throughout the night.
2021 Sangiovese / Merlot ‘Rosso Passo’
Stepping into Lenotti’s small tasting room in Bardolino, on the Western shores of Lake Garda, it doesn’t take long to begin to appreciate the hospitality that this family has coursing through their veins. They are also fiercely proud of their district and the wines it produces, mainly the corvina-based reds of Bardolino and Valpolicella. But, never one to rest on the attributes of this little sandy, loamy pocket of Italy, Giancarlo Lenotti saw plenty of potential in the other Northern Italian varieties and even some international grapes with a propensity for solid yields as well as awesome aromatics.
Winemaking:
2021’s Rosso Passo is almost equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot, with a dash of Corvina in there too. Voluptuous and dry, it’s ripe and ready to drink now.
Tasting Note:
Cherry skin, licorice and plummy red fruit play light herbs and a touch of green stalkiness. Not complicated, not pretentious, but overendowed with slippery and seductive flavours and utter drinkability. Lashings of red and black fruit on the palate, it has a lightness about it whilst still providing plenty of flesh and a wash of soft tannin.
2021 Bardolino Classico
Winemaking:
This is a savoury and bright blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara that makes a fantastic accompaniment to your next pasta or pizza night.
Tasting Note:
Lenotti’s Classico vineyards in Bardolino encourage this gorgeous, fresh and lively red. Between a weighty rose and a red, it bursts with the cherry and spice characters of these local varieties. Perfetto for early courses, antipasti, for fiery food, in hot weather and even in place of a white.