Terroir

THE LOCAL AREA

The variety and geological and geographic complexity of the province of Mantova makes for some interesting wines.

The territory benefits from geological diversity and a varied microclimate. These factors separate wine production into two main areas. One of these is flat and sub-divided into two typical zones known as Oltrepo Mantovano and Viadanese-Sabbionetano, where the Lambrusco grapes are grown. The other is the area of the morainic hills, ideal for cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties including Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Grigio and Sauvignon.

Map of Mantua Lambrusco vine growing areas map

Learn more about the characteristics of the Mantova area

Located on the Oglio, Mincio and Po rivers, the area with the oldest winemaking tradition in Mantova  stretches across the Po Valley between Viadana  and Sermide.

The proximity to these important rivers enriches the soil with sandy and clayey components, making it particularly fertile. Its particular structure is due to the accumulation over time of sediment left by floodwaters from the various streams  that cross the Mantovan plain from west to east. Sand, silt and clay are present throughout this area in approximately equal percentages. Temperatures vary considerably, with hot summers and cold winters.

Lambrusco Mantovano, a no nonsense and full-bodied wine, reflects the specific characteristics it derives from the territory. Lambrusco Viadanese is more full-bodied and rounded than the lighter and more fragrant Lambrusco dell’Oltrepo Mantovano.

This area occupies the southeastern part of what is known as the morainic amphitheatre. Encompasses the Garda basin, forming a suggestive chain of low hills in the northern part of the province of Mantova.

The clay and gravel soil of the morainic hills is deep, with good layers of drainage mainly made up of limestone and red earth.
 
The proximity to Lake Garda significantly affects the climate, which is mild throughout the year. However, the temperature variations allow good overall ripening of the grapes, a constant acidity in the wines and exquisite aromas. The soil gives these flavourful wines, especially the whites, an unmistakable minerality that derives from the wet earth.

MANTOVAN WINE CONSORTIUM

The Consorzio Vini Mantovani (Mantovan Wine Consortium) promotes Mantovan viticulture and enology. It protects and supervises the various denominations it represents. Furthermore it provides international visibility for a territory that boasts high quality production, from Lambrusco Mantovano to wines from Mantova’s morainic hills.

MANTOVA

A city of art, history, culture, nature, food and wine...
There is certainly at least one good reason to visit!

Mantua city profile tourism visit

Arriving in Mantova you are struck by its unaltered charm and unique and welcoming atmosphere. It is a city that takes your breath away as you admire it from the shores of the lakes. Apparently suspended on the water, it dominates an almost surreal landscape made up of history, art and nature. Mantova is not intended for a quick visit though. The squares, small streets, and the cobblestones invite the visitor to wander slowly from one historic building to another in this city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the nearby Sabbioneta. History, art and culture are inexorably intertwined everywhere in Mantova, while all around it is a habitat of inestimable naturalistic value. All these unique and magic places make Mantova a simply wonderful city.

Arrange a trip to Mantova and its province

And don’t forget to add a visit to the Lebovitz winery to your itinerary!