I will never again be late for a meeting with Giovanna Tantini. As was the case when we met for the first time this past February, I was in fact 6 hours late. She expected me at 10. I got there at 4. It turns out we were both right, and both wrong. Having given up on me, she rearranged her day and made further plans. So when I arrived in the middle of her NEW plans, she was ticked. And I was embarassed, offering to return again a different day. But she brused that idea off, made a phone call, and then told me to get back in the car.

What followed was a speedy trip through small roads in the village of Castelnuovo di Garda until we came upon her pretty old home, her friendly dog, and her impatient children (who were asked to set up the tasting--glasses, breadsticks, wines opened, etc...

Over the next 2 hours, Giovanna relaxed, and my red-face subsided. And I tasted a truly delicious lineup of red, white, and pink wines. I still can't believe she agreed to sell us some wine, but alas, here we are with a new rising star in Bardolino.

This a white you'll not soon forget. Made from the local Garganega and splashed with salt and pepper varieties Chardonnay and Trebbianello, it is a lively, gorgeous white with that oh-so refreshing summery freshness that we just love. In fact, we tasted this over the winter directly from tank, and I there was just no way in hell I was spitting it in the trench drain. When Giovanna served up so nice fresh salami chunks, I was hooked.

This tank-made wine is refreshing, pure, and lively. The Trebbianello gives a nice salty and savory element. Ready to quaff!