Lugana D.O.C Visits L.A.
Last
month members of the wine and food media and VIP's
attended a luncheon and tasting of Lugana wines, held at the
Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, to sample a collection of
their unique wines from northern Italy. Lugana Italy also scheduled
a similar gathering in New York earlier in the week to introduce
their wines. The campaign was designed to introduce Lugana D.O.C.
in the United States. Currently more than 70% of Lugana D.O.C
wines are exported mainly to Germany, Belgium, Northern Europe,
China, Japan and UK.
Lugana Wine Set Up
Lugana is a small appellation region that sits on the border
between Lombardy and the Veneto on the south end of beautiful
Lake Garda, where the PoValley plain merges into Northern Italy's
lake region and the Alps. Guest at the luncheon were given a
complete history on the wines of the Lugana Region, as well
as the climate and earth constitution which lends to its unusually
fine quality. The tasting was lead by Ian Blackburn, CSW, LAWine,
and representatives from the Lugana D.O.C. shared their personal
information on the history of these wines, as well as their
vision for the future.
Let the Lugana Tasting Begin
The region appears to be making strides in taking advantage
of the complexity of their different soils and altitudes to
create a new classification of the soils within the restricted
borders of the region. There is a mineralty about this wine
that is rather seductive. The enthusiasm on the part of the
Lugana wine makers regarding its delicious crispness and light
clean quality was seconded by everyone at the luncheon.
Wines
of Lugana region include:
* Basic Lugana - fresh, fruity, dry, is for early consumption,
and is mainly consumed within Italy.
*
Superiore produced since 1998, requires 1 year maturation (not
necessarily in oak) and offers lower yields.
*
Reserva is aged for minimum 24 months; six months in bottle
and oak maturation is not mandatory.
*
Vendemmia Tardiva is a late harvest containing approximately
12 g/l residual sugar, and is only made by three wineries.
*
Spumante (sparkling) is a very limited production of both Charmat
and Metodo Classico Lugana grape varieties.
*
Food and wine writers agreed the light and clean Lugana wines
would be welcomed in California for ideal pairing with favorite
dishes enjoyed by locals. The wine is perfect with light plates
such as antipasti, salads or seafood, but also works well with
pasta, charcuterie or desserts.
Map of Lugana Wine Region
Following an informative lunch, paired with the Lugana wines,
we shared our farewells with our charming delegation of hosts
from Lugana, Italy, who were leaving to catch the next flight
to San Francisco to give their presentation to the local wine
writers and VIP's in the 'City by the Bay' and then immediately
return to Italy.
For
information please visit: www.consorziolugana.it.