he western bank of Lake Garda is one of the most appealing and relaxing resort areas imaginable. The natural beauty of the site and the softness of the climate, which is mild even during the coldest of the winter months, are seconded by an indigenous cuisine that is quite refined and by wines that are satisfying at first taste.One of the earliest important admirers of the local wines and especially of the Chiaretto was Pope Leo X. During the period of the Renaissance, it was the practice for courtiers to ingratiate themselves with the powerful by showering the potentates with gifts of an exclusive character. The Marchese di Mantova followed that policy by sending the pontiff wines along with fresh fish from Lake Garda.
The quality of the wines of the Riviera del Garda is due primarily to the nature of the terrains and the exceptional microclimate. The great mass of lake water has, in fact, a regulating effect on the climate, tempering the rigors of the winter and mitigating the excessive heat of the summer months. For that reason, the local growers have never felt the need to add to the varieties traditional to the zone others that have spread from one production area to another or to import breeds from France or West Germany that are currently the height of fashion.
