Lugana
Lugana from San Benedetto
We were introduced to Lugana at one of our favorite spots in Sarasota – Cafe Epicurean. The wine was reasonably priced at the restaurant, and we found it was a bargain when we sourced it at our local mega-wine store (Total Wines).
Lugana sits on the border between Lombardy and the Veneto, on the south end of Lake Garda. It is part of the fertile Po Valley plain which is just a stones throw to Northern Italy’s lake country and the glacial foothills of the Alps. The major grape of this region is Trebbiano – which is not a very well regarded varietal in Italy. Trebbiano is mostly used to add to other white grapes such as Garganega. However, when cultivated properly, and when not over-produced, this grape can easily be used to make some exciting wines. The clone from this area is aptly called Trebbiano di Lugana, an offshoot of the more plain Trebbiano grape, and tends to make rounded, full, fruity wines that are have a pleasant aroma – think flowers and sweet spices.
What makes Lugana so special is its food-friendly quality – it worked well with crisp calamari, then somehow matched with a spicy arrabiatta sauce. The bright acidity from the Lugana can match with citrusy salads, cold soups, grilled fish, and grilled chicken.
We have made the Lugana from San Benedetto our go-to Spring white wine. Others to try are: Ottella (about $25), Alpha Zeta (about $16), and Olivini (about $17).
