It happens more and more often in restaurants around Lake Garda: a bottle of Bardolino wine arrives at the table and, instead of being served at room temperature, it comes straight from an ice bucket.

For many guests, it’s unexpected. After the first sip, it makes perfect sense.

For decades, we were taught that red wine should always be served at “room temperature.” In reality, that recommendation dates back to a time when homes were much cooler than they are today. During the summer, serving a red wine at 26–28°C (79–82°F) often masks its aromas and upsets its balance.

Bardolino, however, is one of the few Italian red wines that truly benefits from being served slightly chilled. Thanks to its lively acidity, delicate tannins and bright fruit character, it reaches its full potential at 14–16°C (57–61°F).

It’s a serving style increasingly embraced by sommeliers, restaurants and wine lovers—especially during the warmer months.

Can Bardolino Red Wine Be Served Chilled?

Rather than cold, the better word is chilled.

Served at the right temperature, Bardolino becomes more vibrant, revealing aromas of cherry and fresh red berries while maintaining an energetic, refreshing palate. It is the perfect companion for an outdoor dinner or a sunset aperitivo overlooking Lake Garda.

Unlike fuller-bodied reds, Bardolino does not require long decanting or warm serving temperatures to express its character.

Recommended Serving Temperatures

🍷 Bardolino Red: 14–16°C (57–61°F)

🌸 Chiaretto di Bardolino: 8–10°C (46–50°F)

🥂 Sparkling Chiaretto: 6–8°C (43–46°F)

A simple tip: place the bottle in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving, or keep it in an ice bucket throughout the meal.

Bardolino Through the Eyes of Guerrieri Rizzardi

For more than a century, Guerrieri Rizzardi has cultivated vineyards on the hills surrounding Bardolino, interpreting this historic appellation through wines that share the same philosophy: elegance, freshness and effortless drinkability.

From classic Bardolino reds to Chiaretto di Bardolino and sparkling rosés, each label expresses a different side of the Lake Garda landscape.

DELARA Bardolino Montebaldo DOC: A Modern Expression of Bardolino

Among the winery’s labels, DELARA Bardolino Montebaldo DOC has become its signature interpretation of the appellation.

It comes from the Montebaldo subzone, where higher elevations and the moderating influence of Lake Garda help preserve freshness while allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.

Made primarily from Corvina, with a small percentage of Rondinella, DELARA combines aromatic precision, balance and remarkable drinkability.

The 2023 vintage was awarded 93 points by Gambero Rosso in the Berebene 2026 Guide, ranking among the year’s best Bardolino wines and highlighting the growing quality of this historic denomination.

Served at 14–16°C, DELARA reveals aromas of cherry, wild red berries and subtle spice, with a lively palate that remains fresh and incredibly smooth even on the hottest summer days.

Why Did DELARA Receive 93 Points from Gambero Rosso?

In the Berebene 2026 Guide, Gambero Rosso praised DELARA for its authentic interpretation of Bardolino, recognising its balance, aromatic precision and sense of place.

The award celebrates not only the wine itself but also the careful work carried out in the vineyard and winery to express the distinctive character of the Montebaldo hills.

It is further proof that Bardolino deserves recognition among Italy’s finest young red wines, offering elegance, freshness and a strong connection to its origin.

Cuvée XV Bardolino Classico DOC

If DELARA represents the spirit of Montebaldo, Cuvée XV Bardolino Classico DOC embodies the more traditional face of Bardolino.

Fresh, fragrant and wonderfully versatile, it offers notes of cherry and red berries with a lively acidity that makes it an everyday favourite.

Served lightly chilled, it pairs beautifully with pizza, charcuterie boards, tomato-based pasta dishes or a relaxed summer barbecue.

From Chiaretto to Sparkling Rosé

The same native grapes used for Bardolino also produce a range of rosé wines that capture the lighter, more refreshing side of Lake Garda.

KEYA Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC

KEYA Chiaretto i Bardolino Calssico DOC is Guerrieri Rizzardi’s still rosé. Elegant, savoury and delicate, it offers aromas of red berries, citrus and white flowers. It is a natural match for Mediterranean cuisine, freshwater fish, vegetarian dishes and summer aperitivos.

Perlage Chiaretto Spumante Extra Brut

For those who appreciate a drier style, Perlage Chiaretto Spumante Extra Brut delivers fine bubbles, vibrant freshness and excellent food-pairing versatility. Ideal with oysters, shellfish, seafood tartare and fish starters.

Fior di Rosa Chiaretto Spumante Extra Dry

Softer and more approachable, Fior di Rosa Chiaretto Spumante Extra Dry is made for celebrations, picnics, finger food and relaxed summer gatherings. Its delicate bubbles and balanced style make it an excellent choice from aperitivo through to dessert.

A Few Wine Rules Worth Forgetting

For years, wine has been surrounded by rigid rules. Today, enjoyment comes first.

❌ Red wine should always be served at room temperature.

✅ Bardolino is at its best when served slightly chilled (14–16°C).

❌ Rosé is only for aperitivo.

✅ A good Chiaretto di Bardolino pairs beautifully with an entire summer meal.

Bardolino Freddo: Celebrating Chilled Red Wine

The growing appreciation for chilled Bardolino is more than just a trend.

Every year at the end of August, the town of Bardolino hosts Bardolino Freddo, an event dedicated to rediscovering the region’s signature red wine served chilled through tastings, educational experiences and wine-focused events.

It is the perfect opportunity to discover why Bardolino offers one of Italy’s most enjoyable summer wine experiences.

Where to Enjoy a Bardolino Wine Tasting

If you’d like to experience why Bardolino is one of Italy’s most refreshing red wines for summer, the best place to taste it is where it is made.

At Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery in Bardolino, you can join guided winery tours and wine tastings featuring the estate’s Bardolino Classico, Bardolino Montebaldo and Chiaretto wines, discovering how vineyard location, winemaking and serving temperature shape every glass.

Whether you prefer a lightly chilled red or a refreshing sparkling Chiaretto, you’ll discover one of Lake Garda’s most distinctive wine styles.

Explore all our wine tasting experiences in Bardolino at guerrieri-rizzardi.it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can Bardolino red wine be served chilled?

Yes. Bardolino is best served lightly chilled, between 14 and 16°C (57–61°F). At this temperature, its fruit aromas, freshness and balance are fully expressed.

What is the ideal serving temperature for Bardolino?

Bardolino red should be served at 14–16°C, Chiaretto at 8–10°C, and sparkling Chiaretto at 6–8°C.

What is the difference between Bardolino and Chiaretto?

Both wines are made from the same grape varieties. The difference lies in the winemaking: Chiaretto is produced as a rosé with minimal skin contact, while Bardolino is a light-bodied red wine known for its elegance and freshness.

What is Bardolino’s signature wine?

Bardolino DOC is the iconic wine of the eastern shores of Lake Garda. The area is also famous for Chiaretto di Bardolino, one of Italy’s most celebrated rosé wines.

Where can I enjoy a Bardolino wine tasting?

Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery in Bardolino offers guided winery tours and wine tastings that showcase the different expressions of Bardolino and Chiaretto, right in the heart of the appellation.