08/10/2026
This week, our Master of W**e, Jane Masters MW, recommends the Villa Mura Bardolino, a bright, fresh Italian red from the eastern shores of Lake Garda, made by the historic Sartori estate.
“A light Italian red is the perfect transition between summer rosés and full-bodied winter reds, and as autumn sets in, this Bardolino is a great place to start. If you like the reds from neighbouring Valpolicella, then you’ll love this.
Pale ruby in the glass, each grape in the blend plays its part: Corvina Veronese brings crisp acidity and sour red cherry notes, Rondinella offers vibrant red berry fruit, Corvinone adds structure and tannin, Molinara lifts the freshness, and Merlot adds plush red and black fruit. Refined yet easy-drinking, it finishes with notes of bitter cherry. Perfect with cured meats, light pasta dishes, or roasted white meats.
Sartori dates back to 1898 when hotelier Pietro Sartori bought the Villa Maria estate simply to keep his hotel guests supplied with good w**e. Four generations later, they introduced the Villa Mura label, named after the estate’s original stone walls, to showcase the region’s fresh, approachable style. Sourced from the breezy hills along Lake Garda in northern Italy, the grapes are gently crushed and macerated on their skins for four days, fermenting at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve the crunchy red fruit and natural acidity. If you’re looking for an elegant, food-friendly red as the seasons change, this is a wonderful choice at an incredible value.”
Discover the Villa Mura Bardolino in store and online via https://www.majestic.co.uk/w**es/bardolino-villa-mura-sartori-73279
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