Italy's largest lake, Lago di Garda or Bènaco (until 800 AD Lacus benacus), is located in the three Italian regions of Trentino-Alto Adige (north), Lombardy (west) and Veneto (east). The lake, which is almost 52 km long and over 17 km wide, covers around 370 square kilometres. The large body of water has a positive influence on viticulture. Due to its location, the sub-Mediterranean climate is characterised by hot summers and mild winters with little precipitation. Around the lake, vines are cultivated in the north, olive trees and citrus fruits in the east and south. There are many DOC/DOCG areas directly on or near the lake, some of which cross regional boundaries. These are Bardolino, Garda, Lugana and San Martino della Battaglia (Lombardy and Veneto), Garda Colli Mantovani, Riviera del Garda Bresciano and Valtènesi (Lombardy), as well as Valpolicella or Amarone de lla Valpolicella and Recioto della Val policella (Veneto).
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