Alto Mincio

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The production zone lies in the morainic hills forming part of the Amphitheatre of the Garda Moraine, at altitudes reaching 200 metres above sea level.
• The soils consist of loose, permeable morainic deposits that promote strong surface drainage and the formation of a true underground water-table regime.
• The first aquifer lies at a depth of 10 to 30 metres, rising to ground level in the lower-lying areas of the territory.
• The river Mincio represents the principal hydrological axis of the geographical production zone.
• The climate is mild and breezy thanks to the presence of Lake Garda, while in the morainic hills it ranges from humid to sub-humid, with a summer moisture deficit.

• Archaeological excavations in the morainic hills have brought to light a bowl of grape seeds datable to the pile-dwelling Neolithic period, evidence of ancient vine cultivation.
• The Mantuan poet Virgil describes the existence of Vitis labrusca two thousand years ago in his fifth Eclogue, while Isabella d'Este documents the wines of the hills in correspondence dating from September 1535.

• The breezes favour grape quality and create internal ventilation circuits that determine the fermentation and preservation of the wines.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-IT-A1076
• Official trade body site — Consorzio Vini Mantovani