DOC area that lies in the western part of the VENETO region in northeast Italy. It encompasses vineyards on the southeastern shore of Lake Garda, in and around the town of Bardolino. The grapes used for these ROSSO and ROSATO wines are mainly CORVINA, Rondinella, Molinara, and Negrara. Although the blend of grapes used is similar to that for the better-known VALPOLICELLA DOC wines, Bardolino wines are usually not as full-bodied (see BODY). Wines labeled Bardolino Classico are made with grapes from a smaller site (the original Bardolino area) that’s thought to have better vineyard land. Bardolino Chiaretto is the name for the ROSÉ wine, which is made in both STILL and SPUMANTE (sparkling) versions. Bardolino Novello is a young, fresh wine that must be bottled prior to the end of the VINTAGE year (like a French BEAUJOLIAS NOUVEAU). Bardolino Superiore, which received DOCG status in 2001, is only for DRY, still wines that have at least one year of aging.