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History, territory and production areas
Lugana is a white wine from Veneto and Lombardy, which is produced in a fairly small zone on the shores of Lake Garda. This wine has a very long history, dating back to the time of the ancient Romans, and was mentioned by poets such as Catullus. It has however been suggested that its origins may be even more ancient, since remains of farming tools have been unearthed in some stilt houses in Peschiera del Garda. The territory where this wine is produced plays a very important role. The lake breeze brings warm air in winter and cool air in the summer, while the soil varies slightly from region to region. On the Lombard side, it is flat and characterised by clayey, mineral-rich soil. This zone includes above all the municipalities of Desenzano, Sirmione and Pozzolengo, in the province of Brescia. The easternmost part of the zone is instead characterised by sandier, hillside soil, and falls within the municipality of Peschiera del Garda, in the province of Verona.
Production and types of Lugana
The variety used to produce Lugana is Turbiana, also known as Trebbiano di Lugana. This wine is produced in five different types: Lugana, Lugana Superiore, Lugana Riserva, Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva and Spumante. Lugana Superiore must be aged for a year in the cellar, while the Riserva is aged for two years in the cellar and six months in the bottle. Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva (Late Harvest) is produced by leaving the bunches to ripen on the plant until October, in order to concentrate sugars and flavours. They are then harvested, pressed and vinified. The result is a sweet wine with an acidic vein that stops it from becoming cloying. Lastly, Lugana Spumante is produced using both the Metodo Classico and Martinotti-Charmat method.
Tasting profile
Lugana is a simple wine, attractively refreshing and drinkable. It displays a delicate straw yellow hue, and aromas of almond and spring flowers. It is refreshing and thirst-quenching on the palate. In the Superiore version it becomes more complex, while maintaining freshness and drinkability. Lugana Riserva, meanwhile, displays greater intensity, with aromas of fruit, citrus, honey and toasted almonds. It can be aged for over 10 years. The Vendemmia Tardiva (Late Harvest) is softer and more firmly structured, but not excessively sweet, with its residual sugar balanced by its acidity. Lugana Spumante combines good body with gracefulness, and thanks to its fine, delicate perlage can be paired with a wide variety of dishes.
Pairings
Given its freshness and lightness, Lugana is a wine that can accompany the entire meal and be enjoyed every day. The base version is ideal with nibbles, canapés, appetisers and cured meats. It gives of its best when paired with lake fish such as trout or whitefish. The Superiore is excellent with pasta dishes and soft cheeses. The Riserva version can accompany a vitello tonnato or grilled fish, but also vegetable-based pasta and rice dishes, and cheeses. Lugana spumante produced using the Charmat method is perfect for an aperitif, while a Metodo Classico version can keep you company throughout the meal. Lastly, Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva can be enjoyed with blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola, but also with biscuits, provided they are not overly sweet.