Production area: The southern shores of Lake Garda. Vineyards planted on post-glacial marl in the countryside surrounding Peschiera del Garda.
Grape varieties: Trebbiano di Lugana (100%).
Yield: 100 kg of grapes yield 65 litres of wine.
Ageing: In stainless steel tanks.
Refining: About 3 months in the bottle.
Wine analysis
Alcohol: 13.0% vol*
(* Depending on the year, the analytical values may vary slightly)
Total acidity 5.5-6‰.
Dry extract 24-25‰.
Sensory impressions: A rather intense straw colour with brilliant greenish hues, it is endowed with a fine, elegant nose, a floral potpourri of yellow gorse and mauve wisteria flowers, followed by pleasant almond and mineral notes. The palate, perfectly balanced, has good alcohol content and a gentle acidity, leading on to the same “gravelly” impressions detected on the nose. The finish is very clean, long and sapid, with some citrus notes and a delicate hint of almond.
Serving temperature: 8-10° C.
Recommended food pairings: When young, Lugana pairs well with both lake- and sea-fish dishes: fried anchovies, boiled sea bass and prawns; riper bottles are the ideal complement for oilier fish and more sophisticated dishes: broiled eel, roasted tench, mussel impepata and grilled lobster. At its peak, it makes a most successful match with white meat, especially roasted rabbit.
Longevity: 3-4 years.
Santa Sofia’s Lugana bottles left resting on their side in a cool, dark environment can however continue to evolve and improve for over a decade!