The Italian wine world continues to evolve, adapting to new consumer preferences and market dynamics. If the market calls—or rather demands—then producers and appellations must respond.
As consumer interest in lighter, lower-alcohol wines grows, several denominations are rethinking their traditional production standards. While prestigious appellations such as Prosecco DOC and Chianti DOCG are experimenting with reduced-alcohol expressions, one denomination has gone a step further: Garda DOC has officially introduced a low-alcohol category into its production rules.
A Pioneering Step for Garda DOC
Starting with the 2025 harvest, Garda DOC Bianco—produced mainly from Garganega, often blended with Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio—will also be marketed in a version with just 9% alcohol by volume. This makes Garda DOC the first Italian denomination of controlled origin (DOC) dedicated to a still wine with low alcohol content, a milestone that highlights both innovation and market awareness.
The decision was formalized in the Ministerial Decree of September 24, 2025, published in Italy’s Official Journal on October 8, 2025. According to the Consortium, this update marks “a significant step in responding concretely to the evolving needs of consumers and markets, who increasingly seek distinctive, versatile, and contemporary wines.”
Paolo Fiorini, President of the Garda DOC Consortium, explained:
“This revision represents a strategic step for our denomination and its members. It strengthens the identity of Garda DOC and expands its production and commercial potential, while maintaining quality and a strong connection to the territory as the guiding principles.”
The Garda DOC Consortium currently encompasses over 60,000 hectares of vineyards across the provinces of Brescia, Mantua, and Verona, representing 250 producers united by the goal of expressing the richness and variety of the Garda region.
A Comprehensive Revision of Specifications
The updated disciplinary framework introduces several important technical and stylistic changes.
New varieties and wine types have been added to the denomination, including:
- Garda Müller Thurgau, in still, semi-sparkling, and sparkling versions
- Garda Rebo, in the still wine category
- Garganega and Chardonnay, now permitted for sparkling and semi-sparkling wines
- Corvina, newly authorized for sparkling and semi-sparkling rosé wines, highlighting one of Garda’s most emblematic native varieties
- Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosato, offering a fresh and elegant modern expression of a Northern Italian classic
In addition, the specification introduces the term “Cremant” for the sparkling wine category—a decision that aligns Garda DOC with international quality standards and European sparkling traditions, enhancing its global image.
Further updates include the expansion of the production area to include part of the municipality of Castenedolo (Province of Brescia) and the authorization of all packaging types permitted under European regulations for Garda DOC wines.
Tradition Meets Modernity
For the Garda DOC Consortium, these changes are not just technical—they represent a forward-looking vision.
“Our mission is clear,” said Fiorini. “To give voice to a unique territory that has successfully combined winemaking tradition with a modern and international vision. These updates allow us to enhance both native and international grape varieties, offering consumers a range of consistent, recognizable wines deeply rooted in Lake Garda.”
All the updates will be implemented with the 2025/2026 wine year, marking a new chapter in the evolution of Garda DOC.
By embracing innovation while preserving authenticity, Garda DOC demonstrates how Italian denominations can remain relevant in a rapidly changing global wine landscape. This initiative reflects a harmonious balance between market responsiveness, sustainability, and territorial identity, ensuring that the wines of Lake Garda continue to captivate both traditional enthusiasts and a new generation of consumers seeking freshness, elegance, and moderation.
Source: WineNews