Monte del Frà’s Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC 2025 is truly flying high: selected by Aer Lingus for its Business Class wine list, it has been awarded the Silver Medal at the 2026 Cellars in the Sky Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions dedicated to wines served by international airlines. The only Italian wine on the podium, the Veronese rosé stood alongside two Provençal labels – Ultimate Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024 (Alaska Airlines) and Ostal Rosé 2024 (Finnair) – confirming the value of the Chiaretto di Bardolino denomination and its ability to compete with the global benchmarks of the category. A result that shines a spotlight on the Lake Garda area and rewards the vision of Monte del Frà, the historic Verona-based winery now present in 68 countries.
Silver Medal for Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC
From the morainic hills of Lake Garda to the global routes of Aer Lingus, Monte del Frà’s Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC 2025 has secured the Silver Medal at the 2026 Cellars in the Sky Awards, the competition organised by Business Traveller that for forty years has selected the finest wines served in Business and First Class.
The achievement is even more significant because it was earned alongside two Provençal rosés, considered global references for the category.
Chiaretto’s presence on the podium not only brings Veneto into the international spotlight but also strengthens awareness of the denomination’s potential in global markets. The wine was selected by Aer Lingus for its Business Class wine list and impressed the judging panel thanks to its fresh profile, balanced palate and vibrant acidity, qualities that stood out during the blind tasting reserved for wines served at cruising altitude.
The Secret Behind the Success of Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC
An authentic expression of its place of origin, Chiaretto is produced primarily from Corvina grapes, blended with Rondinella and Molinara. It tells the story of a unique land through an elegant, dry and fresh sip, naturally suited to aperitifs, lake and seafood dishes, Mediterranean cuisine and vegetable-based preparations.
Describing its personality is Marica Bonomo, CEO of Monte del Frà and third generation of the family:
“It is a wine with personality. Its delicate notes of small red berries and flowers – typical of Corvina – evoke the aromas of the morainic hills, while its finesse and vibrant acidity are the most authentic expression of these soils. It is precisely this identity, so distinctive and impossible to replicate, that makes it one of our ambassadors around the world.”
“Being on the Cellars in the Sky Awards podium today alongside two Provençal rosés makes us particularly proud. Even more significant is the fact that ours is a Chiaretto from the 2025 vintage, while the other two award-winning wines come from the 2024 harvest: proof that character, balance and freshness are qualities this denomination is able to express from the very beginning, enhancing a unique and recognisable style. Knowing that it accompanies travellers from every continent every day is a great satisfaction. This achievement rewards not only the value of our work, but also that of a territory and a denomination that continue to stand out on the international stage.”
Monte del Frà Continues Its Journey
This recognition is part of Monte del Frà’s growth path. Founded in 1958 in the heart of the Custoza area, the company is now present in 68 countries.
The Bonomo family has built a story that looks to the future without losing touch with its roots, telling the story of the territory through wines that combine authenticity, dedication and sustainability.
From the morainic hills of Lake Garda to Verona’s great denominations – Bardolino, Custoza, Lugana, Soave and Valpolicella – every bottle becomes a journey that begins in Veneto and reaches tables around the world.
And now, thanks to Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC, it also reaches the skies.
