Sometimes called the Beaujolais of Italy, Bardolino is the little sibling of Valpolicella, a light, easy-drinking, juicy and fruit-filled wine. It is the ideal summer wine, served lightly chilled with salads and other summery foods. It should also be of interest to those seeking lower-alcohol wines.
Bardolino is in the Veneto region, home to some of the biggest producers in Italy, who are quite happy to pump out large quantities of inexpensive wines to be lapped up by the many holidaymakers who visit. 21 million bottles (including 10 million of rosé) are produced every year.
As with neighbouring Valpolicella, sometimes the wines of Bardolino are a little too light, if not watery. Much of it is consumed in the resorts along the shores of Lake Garda and in the beautiful lakeside town of Bardolino. Holidaymakers also drink large quantities of Chiaretto di Bardolino, a light rosé wine. However, there are plenty of quality producers too, and for the moment prices are very reasonable.
Bardolino is made using corvina, rondinella and molinara, the same grape varieties as Valpolicella. The wines tend to be lighter and are not really suitable for producing Amarone and Ripasso, appassimento wines made partly with dried grapes. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Good Bardolino refreshes instead of overwhelming the palate.
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Cecilia Beretta Bardolino Classico 2024
12.5%, €14.99
This is the lightest of today’s four wines, with fresh acidity and piquant sour cherry fruits. Enjoy on its own or with charcuterie.
From Ardkeen, Waterford; Finnegans, Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal; JJ O`Driscoll, Cork; Shiel’s, Malahide, Co Dublin; Mace, Dublin 3; McHugh’s, Dublin 5; The Bell Carryout, Dublin 15
Monte Zovo Bardolino 2024
12.5%, €14.95
Light, supple, ripe dark fruits with a herbal touch. Dangerously easy to drink, this offers exceptional value for money. Serve it with lighter summer dishes, including fresh tomato-based pasta dishes and mixed salads.
From Mitchell & Son, Glasthule, Co Dublin; The Vaults, Dublin 2 and Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow; 1601, Kinsale, Co Cork; Wine Haven, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin; Boggan’s Londis, Rosslare, Co Wexford
Rizzardi Bardolino Classico Cuvée XV 2025
13%, €16.99
Succulent ripe dark cherry fruits with a savoury touch and a long, lightly tannic finish. Great value for money. Try it with pork or chicken dishes.
From O’Briens
Zenato Bardolino 2025
12.5%, €17.99 – €18.99
Very seductive svelte, plump ripe dark fruits, a touch of spice and a nicely rounded finish. Enjoy it with pizza, grilled white meats or tuna.
Very widely available from independents including Whelehans, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18; Jerome Caxard, Wexford; Searson’s, Monkstown, Co Dublin; World Wide Wines, Waterford; Best of Italy, Ranelagh, Dublin 6; Scally’s, Cork; Spar Turnpike, Cork; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co Dublin; Gibney’s, Malahide, Co Dublin; Next Door Ennis, Co Clare
