Bolla Bardalino

[Innkeeper]

Bardolino is one of the lightest red wines made anywhere. When it is fresh, I mean really fresh, it is delightful when served chilled. Bolla is a very large, and well respected producer. Much the same is true about plain ole Valpolicella. Both of these fall into the same category as many or even most Italian White Wines. The problem, as I see it, is that the process of getting it made, shipped across the ocean, and onto your dealers shelf, makes it almost impossible to accomplish before the wines start fadding. My rule of thumb, is it they are over two years old, I leave them on the shelf. The best way to enjoy the Italian Light Reds, and most of their whites is to go to Italy.

As you have read here before, there are some light to medium Italian Reds that are wonderful and have some legs. Two of these are Barbera and Dolcetto. Look for the lower priced ones from the districts of Asti and Alba. Of course there is always Chianti, and the grape it is made from sangiovese. Most Chianti and some of the mass produced sangiovese varietals such as Bolla's are in the lighter styles as well. All of the grapes used to produce all of the wines discussed here can be crafted into much bigger wines, sometimes with much the same name. Price is the easiest way to tell one from the other. In today's economy $15.00 is the proximate break point, with the lighter wines falling below.