Costaripa, Riviera del Garda Classico Valtenesi DOC (Italy) “Campostarne” 2022 ($19, MatchVino)

If you aren’t familiar with the region, it’s located along the north edge of Lake Garda, part of the hodgepodge of mostly small appellations that spill over between the Trentino (where this one is) and Verona – and which are known primarily for their whites, light reds and rosés. This one is a blend of Groppello Gentile, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera grapes and is very similar in taste and structure to its more-popular almost-neighbor, Bardolino. The mild red is very drinkable by itself or with food and has flavors of mild cherries and riper blackberries with light tannins and good finishing acidity.
89 Roger Morris