The Consorzio Garda DOC announces changes to its production regulations with the ministerial decree of September 24, 2025, published in the Official Gazette on October 8. These innovations are designed to strengthen the denomination’s competitiveness, combining production evolution with respect for the tradition of a territory with a millennia-old winemaking vocation.
“This revision of the regulations represents a strategic step for our denomination and for the producers who are part of it,” comments Paolo Fiorini, President of the Consorzio Garda DOC. “It is the result of constructive dialogue with the Ministry and industry operators, with the aim of responding concretely to new market and consumer needs, which today are increasingly focused on wines that are distinctive, versatile, and contemporary.”
The New Features of the Garda DOC Regulations: Low Alcohol, Crémant, and New Types
The Consorzio, which represents 250 producers across the provinces of Brescia, Mantua, and Verona, safeguards a denomination that spans Lombardy and Veneto, in a hilly area of extraordinary beauty overlooking Lake Garda. Here, for centuries, grapes have been cultivated that tell the story and identity of a unique territory.
Among the most significant changes are the introduction of Garda Müller Thurgau, in still, sparkling, and semi-sparkling versions, and Garda Rebo, in the still wine category. For sparkling and semi-sparkling types, the specifications now include Garganega and Chardonnay.
Garganega will be the star of an absolute novelty: starting with the 2025 harvest, it can also be marketed in a “low alcohol” version, with an alcohol content of 9% vol. This is the first Italian DOC dedicated to a still wine with low alcohol content—an innovation that marks an important step in the national wine scene.
Rosé and Sparkling Wines: Corvina and Pinot Grigio Ramato
For rosé sparkling and semi-sparkling versions, the specification Corvina makes its debut, enhancing one of the most representative varieties of the Garda area. Another highlight is Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosato, a contemporary interpretation of a grape symbolic of Northern Italy, in line with the growing preference for fresh and elegant wines.
Crémant: Garda DOC Aligns with International Standards
Also significant is the introduction of the term “Crémant” for the sparkling wine category, bringing Garda DOC production closer to international quality standards and the most prestigious European traditions.
Expansion of the Area and New Packaging Options
The changes include extending the production area to part of the municipality of Castenedolo, in the province of Brescia, and allowing the use of all containers permitted by European regulations for packaging Garda DOC wines.
“Our mission is clear: to give voice to a unique territory that has managed to combine viticultural tradition with a modern and international vision,” concludes Fiorini. “Updating the regulations is a key step in this journey, as it allows us to further enhance the distinctive features of the native and international varieties that coexist in this area.”
All changes will be applicable starting with the current harvest, for the 2025/2026 wine campaign, marking a new chapter in the denomination’s growth.
