In the glass
Aroma: blackcurrant, cedar, violets, green herb
Palate: dark fruit, medium tannins, mineral, herbal
The Le Fontane (the springs) red from Corte Gardoni is a Garda DOC Cabernet-based blend aged in oak. The Garda DOC permits Bordeaux varieties and the morainic soils of Valeggio sul Mincio give the Cabernet a mineral freshness that distinguishes it from warmer Veneto reds.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled pork with sage butter
Herbal Cabernet notes echo the sage while firm structure handles the pork fat. -
Roasted duck with polenta taragna
Dark fruit and firm tannins match well with the richness of duck and buckwheat polenta.
How to serve Corte Gardoni Le Fontane Garda Cabernet DOC
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening , the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled pork with sage butter, Roasted duck with polenta taragna. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Corte Gardoni introduced Bordeaux-variety reds in the late 1980s, taking advantage of the Garda DOC's allowance of international varieties. Named for the natural springs (fontane) on the estate, Le Fontane Cabernet represents the estate's attempt to produce a serious red alongside the lighter Bardolino Classico.
- 1988 — Corte Gardoni launches Le Fontane Cabernet as a Garda DOC oak-aged red.
Facts
- Producer
- Corte Gardoni
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Classification
- Garda Cabernet DOC
- Oak
- 12 months in French and Slavonian oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 16-24 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1988
Frequently asked about Corte Gardoni Le Fontane Garda Cabernet DOC
What does Corte Gardoni Le Fontane Garda Cabernet DOC taste like?
On the nose, blackcurrant, cedar, violets, green herb. On the palate, dark fruit, medium tannins, mineral, herbal. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a medium-long with cedar and herb finish. The Le Fontane (the springs) red from Corte Gardoni is a Garda DOC Cabernet-based blend aged in oak. The Garda DOC permits Bordeaux varieties and the morainic soils of Valeggio sul Mincio give the Cabernet a mineral freshness that distinguishes it from warmer Veneto reds.
When should I drink Corte Gardoni Le Fontane Garda Cabernet DOC?
Drink 4-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Corte Gardoni Le Fontane Garda Cabernet DOC?
Grilled pork with sage butter is the canonical pairing; Roasted duck with polenta taragna is the other strong match. Herbal Cabernet notes echo the sage while firm structure handles the pork fat.
What grapes are in Corte Gardoni Le Fontane Garda Cabernet DOC?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. The wine is classified as Garda Cabernet DOC.