Lugana: Wine icon from Lake Garda

The history of viticulture in Lugana is closely linked to the history of Lake Garda and its surroundings. Wine was already being cultivated in this region in Roman times, as archaeological finds prove. The Roman poet Catullus, who lived in Verona in the 1st century BC, already praised the wines from the Lake Garda region. In the Middle Ages and early modern times, viticulture in Lugana was primarily geared towards the local population's own needs. It was not until the 18th century that wine began to be produced and sold on a larger scale. It was at this time that the Turbiana grape variety, which is now the most important grape variety in Lugana, was first mentioned.

In the 19th century, viticulture in Lugana experienced a boom. The demand for wine increased and the winegrowers in Lugana recognized the potential of their region. They began to expand their vineyards and improve their wines. In the 20th century, Lugana wine gained international recognition. In 1967, the Lugana DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) denomination was established, which defined the production rules for Lugana wine. Since then, Lugana has developed into one of the most successful white wines in Italy.

Lugana wine: geography, climate and soils

The Lugana wine-growing region is located in the Po Valley on the southern shore of Lake Garda. The landscape is characterized by gentle hills and plains, which are shaped by moraine deposits from the Ice Age. The climate in Lugana is mild and temperate, but can also be very hot in summer due to the continental influences. Lake Garda has a positive influence on the climate by moderating temperatures in winter and providing cooling in summer. In addition, the north wind Peler and the south wind Ora, with their cold and warm air respectively, make viticulture considerably easier.

The soils in the Lugana region are predominantly clayey and calcareous, with a high proportion of minerals and trace elements. These so-called moraine soils were formed by the deposits of glaciers and rivers during the Ice Age. The clayey soils in the hinterland store water well, which is particularly beneficial in the dry summer months. The calcareous soils near Lake Garda ensure good drainage and contribute to the minerality of the wines.

Lugana wine and its municipalities:

• Sirmione (Lombardei)
• Desenzano del Garda (Lombardei)
• Lonato del Garda (Lombardei)
• Pozzolengo (Lombardei)
• Peschiera del Garda (Venetien)

Lugana: Good to Know

Production rules for Lugana wine

Lugana wine styles

The style of Lugana wines is diverse and depends on the type of wine and the production methods of the respective winemaker. In general, however, Lugana wines are known for their freshness, fruitiness and minerality.

Lugana DOC

Lugana DOC is the cornerstone of wine production in this area. This wine is characterized by its versatility and refreshing character, which makes it an ideal companion for a variety of occasions.

• Production guidelines: The Lugana DOC must consist of at least 90% Turbiana grapes. The remaining 10% can come from other authorized white grape varieties in the region. The grapes must be grown within the delimited area of the Lugana DOC and vinification must also take place in this area in order to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the wine.
• Sensory properties: In the glass, the Lugana DOC has a straw-yellow color, often accompanied by greenish reflections, which underlines its youth and freshness. On the nose, it has a delicate bouquet of white flowers, citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit and notes of green apples and almonds. On the palate, it is dry, fresh and lively, with a pleasant acidity and a mineral finish that is typical of the region's soils.

Lugana Superiore DOC

The Lugana Superiore DOC represents a step up from the Lugana DOC, both in terms of complexity and structure. This wine is made from carefully selected grapes and matures for longer, resulting in a more sophisticated flavor profile.

• Production guidelines: To be classified as Lugana Superiore DOC, the wine must meet certain criteria that go beyond those of Lugana DOC. These include a higher minimum alcohol content, a longer ageing period and stricter controls on grape quality. As with Lugana DOC, the wine must consist of at least 90% Turbiana and production must take place within the defined area.
• Sensory properties: The Lugana Superiore DOC is characterized by a more intense straw-yellow color than the Lugana DOC. On the nose, it offers a more complex bouquet of ripe fruit such as peach and apricot, accompanied by notes of honey, almonds and herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied, elegant and balanced, with a fine acidity and a long, persistent finish.

Lugana Riserva DOC

The Lugana Riserva DOC is the pinnacle of Lugana wine production. This wine is only produced in the best vintages and matures over a long period of time to develop its full complexity and character.

• Production guidelines: The Lugana Riserva DOC is subject to the strictest production guidelines of the Lugana DOC. These include the use of grapes from the best vineyards, careful selection of the grapes, a long ageing period in wooden barrels and an additional ageing period in the bottle. As with other Lugana wines, at least 90% of the wine must be made from Turbiana grapes and production must take place within the delimited area.
• Sensory properties: The Lugana Riserva DOC has a deep straw yellow color with golden reflections. On the nose, it develops a complex and intense bouquet of dried fruit, nuts, spices, vanilla and roasted aromas. On the palate, it is full-bodied, elegant and harmonious, with a fine acidity, silky tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Lugana Spumante DOC

Lugana Spumante DOC is a sparkling wine that is usually produced using the tank fermentation method. However, traditional bottle fermentation is also used. This spumante is characterized by its fine perlage, freshness and elegance.

• Production guidelines: Lugana Spumante DOC can be produced using the traditional bottle fermentation method, in which the wine ferments a second time in the bottle to produce the carbon dioxide. However, production using the tank fermentation method is more common. The maturation period on the lees is at least 24 months. As with other Lugana wines, Lugana Spumante must consist of at least 90% Turbiana and production must take place within the defined area.
• Sensory properties: The Lugana Spumante DOC has a light straw-yellow color with fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, it has a delicate bouquet of brioche, yeast, citrus fruits and white flowers. On the palate, it is dry, fresh and lively, with a fine acidity and an elegant finish.

Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva DOC

Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva DOC is a sweet wine made from grapes harvested late in the season. This wine is characterized by its sweetness, richness and complexity.

Production guidelines: For Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva DOC, the grapes are harvested later than usual in order to achieve a higher sugar content. The grapes are often affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which gives the wine additional aromas and complexity. As with other Lugana wines, the wine must consist of at least 90% Turbiana and production must take place within the delimited area.

Sensory properties: The Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva DOC has a golden color. On the nose, it has a complex and intense bouquet of honey, apricots, candied fruit, nuts and spices. On the palate, it is rich, sweet and balanced, with a fine acidity and a long, persistent finish.

Lugana: Wines in detail

Lugana: Wine as an economic factor

Lugana wines are of considerable economic importance for the region. Viticulture is an important employer and wine tourism also contributes to the economy. Lugana wines are exported to many countries, including Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Japan. The demand for Lugana wine is constantly increasing, leading to higher prices and higher revenues for the winegrowers.

There are many reasons why specialist wine merchants should sell Lugana wines. For example, the wines are known for their high quality. They are also very well known worldwide and highly regarded by consumers, so there is no need to explain them. As branded wines, they practically sell themselves. At the same time, there is a large selection thanks to the different styles, so that even knowledgeable wine connoisseurs will find plenty of variety. In addition, Lugana wines are ideal food companions that harmonize with a variety of dishes. This is precisely what makes these wines so interesting for the restaurant trade.

Your sales arguments for Lugana wines

• Very high reputation
• World-renowned protected designation of origin
• Wines are almost self-explanatory
• Fantastic food companions
• Many different styles