Garda is evolving – What’s new in Garda DOC?
Regular readers of these pages will recall that I visited Lake Garda last year. This was to explore the Garda DOC appellation at their annual Garda Wine Stories event. You can read about this in a two-part article here and here. Part 1 was about Lake Garda and the role of Garda DOC. Part 2 showcased some of the excellent and varied wines available. Since then, Garda DOC has authorised and announced some exciting changes and developments. Paolo Fiorini, the President of the Consorzio, summed up the changes. “Strengthen the identity of Garda DOC and expand its production and commercial potential, while maintaining quality and the bond with the territory as its guiding principles.” In other words, Garda is evolving.
Many readers will be visiting Lake Garda on holiday this year. So it seems an opportune time to provide a brief update on the changes that are coming in.
Garda is evolving – DOC Production Regulations
There are important changes to the production regulations. This affects 250 producers around Lake Garda, making 23.3 milllion bottles in 2025. There are new categories being introduced, sitting alongside significant technical revisions.
Garda DOC now recognises white Müller-Thurgau. This can come in still, semi-sparkling, and sparkling versions. In addition, red Rebo is a new addition to the still wine category, a delightful crossing of Teroldego and Merlot. Also, for the sparkling and semi-sparkling wines, there are grape variety designations that can now be shown on the label, namely Garganega and Chardonnay.
For the rosé sparkling and semi-sparkling versions, the designation Corvina also makes its debut. Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosato is another new category. Ramato is a specific style of Pinot Grigio, referring to a still wine with a coppery colour and a little tannin derived from skin-contact. This is emerging and increasingly popular Italian style has ancient roots that originated in Friuli. It’s neither Rosé, nor Orange – it’s Ramato!
Low Alcohol innovation
And, as previously announced but now approved, Garda DOC leads the way with a low alcohol version of Garganega, with an abv of 9%. Available from the 2025 harvest, this is the first Italian DOC with a dedicated still, low-alcohol wine, marking an important innovative milestone in the Italian wine scene. Garganega is a mainstay in this region, so expect to see the first of these wines on the market in Spring 2026.
Crémant
For me, a really noteworthy introduction is the use of the word Crémant in the sparkling wine category. It identifies Garda’s production with a prestigious and recognisable European sparkling wine tradition. I think that name will catch on quickly and help differentiate such sparkling wines that would otherwise be called Spumante.
Other
There are also amendments made to include the production area around Castenedolo, in Lombardy. Even packaging is changing – Garda DOC wines may now be packaged in any containers permitted under European regulations. While I have a strong preference for lightweight glass bottles, other containers are commercially significant in some markets.
And Finally
First recognised in 1996 to enhance varietal wines produced in the ten historic winemaking zones of the Lake Garda area, the Garda DOC is a denomination driven by a strong spirit of innovation. Thirty years on, it’s evolving to meet changing commercial needs while respecting and protecting quality and traditions – balancing those forces is never an easy task.
In 2025, I was impressed by the richness and diversity of the Garda DOC. 2025 production was up 20%, and exports are increasing. That’s rare good news at a time of severe headwinds against the global wine industry. 2026 brings more changes, but they are all are united by one lake and a single brand – Garda is evolving!
Meanwhile, I hope to be able to recommend some of the new Garda wines in 2026 – watch this space!