Rose wines from northern Italy: 12 labels with the best quality-price ratio awarded by Gambero Rosso

Jan 14 2024, 15:32

Two of the most well-known designations in Northern Italy for rosé wines are undoubtedly Valtènesi Chiaretto and Chiaretto di Bardolino, both connected by their proximity to Lake Garda. Here's a selection of some excellent expressions of these wines that cost less than 20 euros.

While discussing the best quality-price ratio rosé wines from Southern Italy, we had only briefly mentioned some wine regions in the north that have specialized in rosé production in recent years. Now, let's delve into the specifics of some of these designations, particularly those that have demonstrated a strong belief in this type of wine. The focus is primarily on two regions, one in Lombardy and one in Veneto, both linked by their proximity to the shores of Lake Garda—Valtènesi Chiaretto and Chiaretto di Bardolino.

Valtènesi is a region that stretches along the western shore of the lake in the province of Brescia. It represents the last "Mediterranean" corner before the cold barrier of the Alps rises. Despite being at a relatively high latitude, the climate is quite mild, with vineyards on the hills intermingling with olive and lemon plantations. The traditional grape varieties cultivated in this area include Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, and Sangiovese, which are then used in the production of Chiaretto and Valtènesi Rosso.

The climatic conditions described for Valtènesi also apply to the Veronese shore of the lake, where Chiaretto di Bardolino originates. The climate here is temperate, thanks in part to the waters of the lake acting as a thermal regulator. In Chiaretto di Bardolino, the absolute protagonist is the Veronese Corvina grape, sometimes supported by small percentages of other typical Veronese grapes: Corvinone, Molinara, and Rondinella.

The rosé wines originating from these two areas share some common characteristics: they exhibit a delicate pink color with bright reflections, showcasing freshness and agility. This forms the framework upon which the various grape varieties and production zones weave their unique patterns.

Rose Wines from Northern Italy with the Best Quality-Price Ratio for the Berebene 2024 Guide by Gambero Rosso

In addition to the labels from the two designations Valtènesi Chiaretto and Chiaretto di Bardolino, we have included in our list some wines from other northern regions—all featured in the Gambero Rosso Berebene 2024 guide. These wines have received a rating of 90 points or above and are priced at less than 20 euros in wine shops and online.