IN BREVE
- The Ministry has approved new Garda DOC wine types, including Garda DOC Cremant and Low Alcohol.
- The new production regulations introduce Garda Müller Thurgau and Garda Rebo, with specifications for Garganega and Chardonnay.
- The Garganega-based low alcohol wine debuts, making Garda DOC the first Italian denomination with a low-alcohol wine.
- The production area extends to Castenedolo and the use of new containers for packaging wines is authorized.
- The amendments will be applicable starting from the 2025/2026 harvest.
The Ministry has approved amendments to the production regulations for Garda DOC wines: among others, the Garda DOC Cremant and Low Alcohol types are now official, as anticipated by Winemag.it in early June 2025. The ministerial decree of September 24, 2025, published in the Official Gazette no. 234 of October 8, 2025, introduces “innovations designed to strengthen the competitiveness and relevance of the denomination, balancing innovation with the winemaking tradition of the Lake Garda region.”
GARDA DOC CREMANT AND LOW ALCOHOL
Among the most significant amendments are the introduction of Garda Müller Thurgau (in still wine, frizzante and spumante versions) and Garda Rebo, along with new varietal specifications “Garganega” and “Chardonnay” for spumante and frizzante types. As anticipated
The Garganega-based low alcohol (9% vol.) also debuts, making Garda DOC the first Italian denomination to introduce a low-alcohol still wine.
NEW TYPES AND TERRITORIAL EXPANSION
The new regulations also recognize the “Corvina” specification for rosé versions and introduce Pinot Grigio Ramato rosato. The term “Cremant” enters the regulations for the spumante category, in line with international standards.
The production area is extended to the municipality of Castenedolo (Bs). Additionally, the use of all containers provided for by European regulations for packaging Garda DOC wines is authorized, expanding commercial opportunities for producers.
A STEP FORWARD FOR THE DENOMINATION
The amendments will be applicable starting from the 2025/2026 harvest. Garda DOC, which today brings together over 250 producers between Lombardy and Veneto, thus takes “a decisive step toward production increasingly aligned with international market trends.”
With these innovations, a statement reads, “the denomination confirms its commitment to promoting quality, sustainability and territorial identity, representing a region that looks to the future with solid roots and an international spirit.”
