What Is Marzemino?
Marzemino is a red grape of northern Italy, grown mainly in Trentino and in Lombardy on the western shore of Lake Garda. It makes light to medium-bodied reds with red berries, plum and violet, soft and easy to drink young.
Marzemino is an old variety of the northeast, recorded in the Veneto and Trentino since at least the 16th century. Its most famous mention comes from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni (1787), where the Don calls for an "eccellente marzimino". In Trentino it is closely linked to the Vallagarina valley, south of Rovereto, and especially to the village of Isera. In Lombardy it is one of the grapes of the Garda Bresciano reds and rosés.
Where Marzemino Grows
- Trentino: the Vallagarina, around Isera, Volano and Nomi, on basalt and limestone soils.
- Lombardy: the Valtènesi and Riviera del Garda Bresciano, west of Lake Garda, in blends with Groppello.
- Veneto: small areas, including the Treviso hills, where it is used for a sweet passito.
- Emilia-Romagna: some plantings in the hills of Reggio Emilia, often for fizzy reds.
Marzemino and Italian Denominations
- Trentino DOC: includes Trentino Marzemino, with the Isera and Ziresi subzones.
- Garda DOC: a wide denomination around the lake, used for varietal Marzemino.
- Riviera del Garda Bresciano DOC and Valtènesi DOC: red and rosé blends of Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera.
- Emilia IGT and Veneto IGT: used for varietal and sparkling versions.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
- Fruit: cherry, raspberry, blackberry and plum.
- Other notes: violet, herbs and a light, slightly bitter almond finish.
- Structure: light to medium body, deep colour, fresh acidity, soft tannins.
Most Marzemino is best within three or four years, served slightly cool. Riserva and old-vine wines from Isera have more depth and can age longer.
Food Pairing
- Cured meats: speck, salami and lardo.
- Trentino dishes: canederli (bread dumplings), polenta with mushrooms and sausage.
- Pasta: with meat ragù or game sauces.
- Light meat: roast pork, veal and grilled chicken.
- Cheese: semi-aged mountain cheeses.
How to Choose and Where to Start
Start with a Trentino Marzemino, ideally from Isera, then try a Valtènesi rosé or red from the Garda shore. Producers worth knowing include Eugenio Rosi, Letrari and De Tarczal in Trentino, Costaripa, Cà Maiol, Citari and Ca' dei Frati around Lake Garda, and Il Farneto in Emilia.
Marzemino shares the Trentino valleys with Teroldego and Lagrein, and the Garda shore with Groppello and Schiava. Read our best Trentino-Alto Adige wines, the best Lombardy wines, or browse the grape varieties index.