Summary

In this webinar we will explore the denomination of Garda DOC, the role of Lake Garda and its impact on the wines. The webinar will touch on the soils, climate, and history of this beautiful landscape. Students will come away with a better understanding of this Northern Italian denomination which encompasses 10 denominations from Valtènesi to Valpolicella, from the banks of the Mincio River to Verona, a vast area of 31,100 hectares in the provinces of Mantua, Brescia, and Verona.

About the Speaker

Susannah teaches Italian wine classes for the Italian Trade Commission and presents seminars and webinars for individual wine producers and wine regions at various schools, trade fairs, and consumer events. Through her company Vigneto Communications, she and her team promote wine and food products in the U.S.  She does media, trade relations and often helps to find importers and distribution.  

She holds various wine certificates from schools around the world including an Italian sommelier certificate from the Associazione Italiana dei Sommeliers (AIS), the Diploma in Wines & Spirits (DipWSET), the qualification as an Italian Wine Ambassador from the Vinitaly International Academy, the CSW and CSS from the Society of Wine Educators, the French, Spanish and Italian Wine Scholar certificates from the Wine Scholar Guild and a certification from the Spanish Wine Academy and Lustau as a Sherry Specialist.  

She has written for The Financial Times, Santé, Palate Press, Gourmet Retailer, Food, Food & Beverage Business, Snooth.com, the Organic Wine Journal, the Sommelier Journal, F&B Magazine, GDO Week. She pens a wine blog called Avvinare.com and has done two Podcast series, one on sustainability and one on wine books.

Fluent in English, Italian, and French, she also speaks Spanish and is learning Portuguese. She works with clients in all four languages. Susannah is a proud member of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s New York Chapter, co-Chair of their annual event entitled, “The Next Big Sip” and current Treasurer of the Chapter.

Timestamp

Welcome and Introduction (00:00)
The host welcomes participants and introduces guest speaker Susannah Gold.

Susannah Gold's Background (00:01)
Susannah shares her qualifications and excitement about participating in the webinar.

Overview of Garda DOC (00:02)
Susannah introduces Garda DOC, its significance and the consortium she represents.

History of Wine Growing (00:03)
Discussion on the long history of wine growing around Lake Garda, dating back to the Iron Age.

Geography of Lake Garda (00:04)
Description of Lake Garda's unique geography, including its location and natural beauty.

Historical Context of Garda DOC (00:07)
Overview of the establishment of Garda DOC and the importance of its appellations.

Lake Garda's Formation (00:09)
Explanation of the geological formation of Lake Garda over millions of years.

Geological Significance (00:11)
Details on the geological history impacting the wine regions around Lake Garda.

Soil Diversity (00:12)
Discussion of the diverse soils around Lake Garda and their influence on viticulture.

Production Areas (00:16)
Overview of the four main production areas around Lake Garda and their soil types.

Climate Overview (00:20)
Description of the temperate climate of Lake Garda and its effects on viticulture.

Impact of Climate Change (00:22)
Discussion on how climate change is affecting grape sugar levels and wine alcohol content.

Introduction to Wine Production (00:23)
Discussion on the impact of vine activity on sugar and alcohol levels in Lake Garda wines.

Grape Varieties in Garda DOC (00:24)
Overview of the eight main grape varieties used in Lake Garda's wine production.

Production Statistics of Garda DOC (00:25)
Details on the cultivated hectares and number of producers in the Garda DOC appellation.

Denominations Under Garda DOC (00:27)
Explanation of the various denominations allowed under the Garda DOC umbrella.

White Wine Production in Garda (00:28)
Description of the composition of Garda Bianco and the grape varieties involved.

Pinot Grigio Characteristics (00:29)
Insights into the unique qualities of Pinot Grigio from Lake Garda.

Red Wine Composition (00:30)
Discussion on the blending of grape varieties for red wines in Lake Garda.

Spumante and Sparkling Wines (00:33)
Introduction to the sparkling wine production and its categories in Garda DOC.

Producers in Garda (00:35)
Overview of the diversity of producers and their wine-making practices in Lake Garda.

Q&A Session Introduction (00:39)
Transition to the Q&A session with audience questions directed to Susanna Gold.

Introduction to Italian Wine (00:45)
Discussion on the complexities and excitement of Italian wine varieties.

Wrap-Up of the Webinar (00:46)
Host summarizes the session and thanks Susannah for her insights on Lake Garda wines.

Co-ops in Italian Wine (00:46)
Susannah and the host discuss the role and quality of co-ops in producing Italian wines.

Upcoming Webinar Preview (00:47)
Host introduces the next session focused on wine faults, encouraging participants to join.

Closing Remarks (00:47)
Susannah expresses gratitude for the opportunity and invites questions from the audience.

Soil Map Resource (00:47)
Host recommends checking the soil map attachment for more information on Lake Garda wines.