Le Morette

Le Morette is a family owned estate located in Peschiera del Garda on the southern shores of Lake Garda. Founded in 1960 by Gino Zenato, the business originally focused on grapevine nursery production, providing grapevine rootstocks to other regional growers. This technical foundation in viticulture allowed the family to transition into dedicated winemaking with a focus on specific indigenous clones. Valerio Zenato expanded the estate and refined the production of bottled wines beginning in 1981. Today, the third generation leads the winery, with Valerio and his sons, Fabio and Paolo, managing the vineyards and a modern production facility that opened in 2013. The estate name refers to a species of mallard duck that inhabits the nearby Frassino Lake nature reserve, symbolizing the family's connection to the local environment.

The winery manages approximately 40 hectares of vineyards across three distinct locations within the Lugana and Bardolino appellations. The primary vineyard sites are located in the San Benedetto di Lugana area, where the soil consists of heavy, mineral rich clay deposited by ancient glaciers. This specific terroir is essential for the cultivation of Turbiana, the local name for the Trebbiano di Lugana grape, which thrives in saline, compact soils. Fabio Zenato, who holds a PhD in viticulture, oversees the winemaking process with a focus on preserving the primary fruit aromas and mineral tension. The estate follows sustainable farming practices certified by the World Biodiversity Association, avoiding chemical herbicides and utilizing organic fertilizers to maintain soil health.

The producer is best known for its white wines from the Lugana DOC, particularly the Mandolara and Benedictus labels. The Mandolara is the flagship bottling, characterized by its white floral notes and typical almond finish. The Benedictus represents a selection from older vines, often resulting in a more structured wine with significant aging potential. Beyond white wines, Le Morette maintains a historical presence in the Bardolino Classico zone near Lazise, where they produce red wines and a traditional Chiaretto rosé from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. The estate is frequently recognized for its commitment to regional identity, earning positive ratings from international critics and Italian wine guides like Gambero Rosso for its balanced and regional character.