I recently had a chance to explore the region of Lugana and the unique and diverse Turbiana grape. This is a region of white wines from Italy’s north shores and the geography, climate, diversity and winemaking practices create refreshing wines known for diversity and minerality.

I was invited to a Destination Lugana Masterclass by the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC given by Lorenzo Giappichelli, Professional Sommelier, featuring nine wines from Lugana.

The History

Lugana is situated in the countryside in the south of Lake Garda bordering Veneto and Lombardy between the towns of Desenzano, Peschiera, Pozzolengo, and Sirmione. Lugana was originally known for being a swampland, but the Venetians deforested the land during the war.  The sunny slopes, clay and gravel soil containing minerality from ancient glaciers, and microclimate from Lake Garda bring to life the unique grape of Turbiana.

The Grape

Turbiana, an indigenous white grape variety previously known as Trebbiano di Lugana, is the only grape permitted in Lugana DOC wines. After years of work by dedicated winemakers in 1967, Lugana received its Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) certification ensuring the origin, quality, and production methods. These regulations guarantee specific vineyard practices, grape yields, vinification techniques, and aging requirements and Lugana was one of the first ten to receive this certification.

There are five different types of Lugana, grown primarily by 90-plus family wineries.

• Lugana is the most produced style. The wines are dry, light-bodied with notes of citrus, jasmine and minerality.
• Lugana Superiore is aged at least one year after the harvest and is more complex. They are fuller-bodied, with flavors and often have notes of peach, stone fruits, citrus minerality and honey.
• Lugana Riserva is the top wine produced and requires a minimum of two years of aging and six months in bottle. These wines are the most complex and age-worthy of the Lugana styles. Known for being full-bodied wines with notes of stone fruits, honey, and toast, and herbs.
• Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva (Late Harvest) this rare style of Lugana is made from grapes harvested later in the season. You’ll taste notes of dried apricots, dried pineapple and honey.
• Lugana Spumante is the least common of all the Lugana wines. This sparkling wine is produced using the Charmat method or the Metodo Classic.

The nine wines that I tried were all dry white wines with a fresh, mineral finish with floral and citrus aromas.

Lugana, a hidden gem from Italy’s north, offers a captivating exploration of white wines. Each sip reveals the unique character of the Turbiana grape and the cool, mineral-rich terroir of the region. From light and refreshing to rich and complex, Lugana boasts a diverse range of styles melding modern techniques and ancient traditions.

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