Lugana | The Evergreen from Lake Garda
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Lugana | The Evergreen from Lake Garda
Lugana - a timeless classic! The vineyards of this famous white wine stretch along the southern shore of Lake Garda, between the towns of Peschiera and Desenzano. The special feature: Two provinces share the name Lugana - Verona in Veneto and Brescia in Lombardy. This interplay of different influences contributes to the uniqueness of the wine, which has had a steadily growing fan base for decades.
The classic Lugana is an elegant, slender white wine with a multi-faceted aroma. It seduces with notes of exotic fruits, candied citrus fruits and a hint of apple blossom. This freshness and lightness, paired with a fine minerality, make it the perfect companion for warm summer evenings. However, Lugana owes its popularity not only to its taste qualities, but also to the picturesque setting from which it originates. Lake Garda, one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, brings countless visitors into contact with this exceptional wine every year.
It is based on the indigenous Turbiana grape variety, which is characterized by its remarkable ageing potential. While many white wines should be drunk young, a good Lugana can gain complexity and depth over the years. In outstanding vintages, it displays a fine, almost creamy sweetness without losing any of its freshness and elegance. Expressive, harmonious and with a long finish - this is Lugana at its best.
It is particularly remarkable that Lugana has always retained its identity despite changing trends and fashions. It is a phenomenon in the Italian wine world that has increased in popularity over the decades and is now a permanent fixture in the international wine trade. Nevertheless, producers are constantly faced with the challenge of preserving the characteristic style of this wine. The influence of German wine drinkers, who prefer a certain residual sweetness, is often stronger than the consistently mild climate of Lake Garda. But it is precisely this balance between tradition and adaptation to the market that makes Lugana a fascinating wine that never ceases to delight. - Gerardo [TS03/25]
Region: Lombardy Classic: Lugana Riserva Spumante: Lugana Winery: Ca dei Frati
Region: Lombardy Classic: Lugana Riserva Spumante: Lugana Winery: Ca dei Frati
Lugana | The Evergreen from Lake Garda | Buy at Gerardo
In recent decades, Lugana has developed into one of the most sought-after white wines in Italy - and the number of producers has grown steadily with it. Today, the spectrum ranges from small, artisanal family businesses to large wineries that produce Lugana on a large scale for the international market. But one thing should be made clear: The quality of a Lugana is by no means solely dependent on the size of the winery. Both small and large wineries can produce outstanding wines - it is the winemaker's philosophy, care in the vineyard and dedication during vinification that are decisive.
One of the most famous names in the world of Lugana is undoubtedly Cà dei Frati. This winery has made a significant contribution to making Lugana famous worldwide and stands for an expressive, mineral style with great ageing potential. However, Cà dei Frati is by no means the only producer to fully exploit the potential of this special region.
The wines of Tommasi, one of the most traditional family-run wineries in Veneto, are also highly regarded and are dedicated to Lugana as well as Amarone. The winery combines state-of-the-art cellar technology with traditional know-how to produce wines of great finesse and elegance.
Another outstanding producer is Ottella, whose wines are characterized by an impressive balance of freshness, structure and depth. Ottella is considered one of the best addresses for Lugana with a strong character, which cuts a great figure both young and with a little ageing time.
Cà Lojera, which translates as “house of the she-wolf”, has also made a name for itself. The family-run winery focuses on an emphatically terroir-driven style and produces wines that benefit from the mineral character of the soil and are characterized by exceptional longevity.
Bulgarini, on the other hand, stands for a modern interpretation of Lugana, with accessible, fruit-driven wines that impress with their soft, elegant structure and fine citrus aromas. The enormous potential of the Turbiana grape is also evident here, which develops its very own character depending on how it is matured.
Finally, one of the insider tips is the Feliciana winery, which is located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Garda. Here, wines with a distinctly Mediterranean character are produced, which are characterized by the warm southern sun and yet retain a pleasant freshness and liveliness.
What all these wineries have in common is a love of the terroir and a passion for a wine that is hard to beat in its elegance and versatility. Lugana can inspire as a light, fresh summer wine, but can also surprise as a mature, complex variety with profound aromas. From fruity, floral young wines to storable premium Lugana - the region proves time and again that it is one of the most exciting white wine origins in Italy. - Gerardo [TS03/25]
"Drink Lugana young and you will taste its freshness. Drink the Lugana after two or three years, and you enjoy its fullness. Drink it after ten years, and you will be surprised that it still bears youthful traits. A Lugana retains its character, which is rare in wines. Once you have tasted it, provided you are a good taster, it will remain in your memory forever. A great painter and a great musician can also be recognized in his works: every time you see or hear them, you realize abruptly: it's him." - Luigi Veronelli