Are you a wine enthusiast that have unusual reputations and tastes? Do these liquors appeal to your love for wines? Well, you must try Lugana Wine and learn about the most appreciated wine abroad that is almost unknown in Italy! Alternately, if you are looking for a dry red wine you could take a look at our Amarone Della Valpolicella guide.
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What is Lugana wine?
Lugana wine is a white wine made from the Trebbiano di Lugana soil, in Northern Italy, with a grape variety native to Lake Garda and Amarone della Valpolicella vineyards in the Veneto region. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested from the rich Northern Italian vineyards grown with calcareous clay soil, macerated for up to 12 hours, then fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The result is a crisp and light-bodied wine with aromas of citrus, apple and floral notes, as well as a hint of almond on the finish.
The popularity of Lugana wine and the vineyards that grow its special grapes with very wine enthusiast in Northern Italy and the world has grown significantly over the past few years as it has become increasingly popular outside its home country, Italy. It is also called Trebbiano di Lugana in some places and Lugana Doc by wine experts. In fact, it is now one of the most exported Italian wines in Europe and beyond! This popularity can be attributed to the quality of the wine and its unique flavor profile, which is unlike any other Italian white wine.
Where is it from?
Lugana doc wine, which is a favorite of every wine enthusiast that loves white wine from Lugana, is produced in the Veneto region, with grapes grown from vineyards that specialize on creating Lugana, more specifically around Lake Garda. The name “Lugana” comes from an ancient Roman settlement that was located near the lake and where the Trebbiano di Lugana grape variety was found.
This beautiful region has a long history of winemaking and its fresh grape vines make wines that have been especially appreciated abroad for a long time now. Despite this fact, Lugana wine remains almost unknown in Italy, even if it is available in San Benedetto di Lugana. Only recently has it started to gain some appreciation there as well.
Find out more about another Italian wine called Cannonau wine.
How is it made?
The Lugana Italian wine is oftentimes made through soft pressing to ensure its crisp acidity. Lugana producers put concentrated and fresh flavors, especially the local producers from the Lugana region, to preserve its five distinct styles. They ensure that the grapes that they use are from the vineyards of the Veneto Region. It is made from white grape to add more concentrated flavors, mostly those grown from clay soil by the southern shores because of its natural sedimentation. The southern shore or southern end of the Lugana winery regions allows the harvesting of grape vines that make up the savory and sparkling taste of white wines. Winery by winery, they find new ways to add new tracks on making each wine delicious, oftentimes great with tangerine, fewer berries, green apple, tropical fruit, white stone fruit, and a white almond note. A wine enthusiast would say that these are the perfect ingredients for such a revered liquor.
Do you want to know how Lugana doc wines are made and how its aroma is so good to the nose? Read the common guide provided below!
1. Gather the necessary ingredients and supplies. The grapes must be from vineyards that grow grapes suitable for the wine. In order to make Lugana Wine, you will need the following:
- Trebbiano di Lugana grapes from vines grown through mineral-rich soil.
- Wine yeast
- Food grade acid blend
- Potassium metabisulfite
- Yeast nutrient
- Campden tablets
- Water
- Glass carboys or food grade plastic buckets
2. Sanitize all of your equipment. This is an important step in winemaking and should not be skipped! Sanitize all of your equipment by using a sanitizer such as Star San or potassium metabisulfite.
3. Crush the grapes and add them to your fermentation vessel. Use a crusher to crush the grapes, or you can also use your hands to break them down. Add them to your fermentation vessel.
4. Add water and sugar if needed. Depending on the sweetness of the grapes, you may need to add some water and sugar. Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the must (must is the unfermented grape juice) and adjust accordingly. Be sure to use bottled water or filtered water, as chlorinated water can kill the yeast.
5. Add the yeast and yeast nutrient. Add the wine yeast and yeast nutrient to the must and stir well to combine.
6. Seal the fermentation vessel and allow it to ferment. Place a airlock on the fermentation vessel and allow it to ferment for 7-10 days, or until it reaches a final gravity of 1.000 or less.
7. Rack (transfer) the wine to another container. Once fermentation is complete, rack (transfer) the wine to another container in order to remove any sediments that have formed on the bottom of the fermentation vessel. Do this by using a siphon or tubing attached to a spigot on one end and a racking cane (a tube with an angled end) on the other end. Be sure to sanitize all of your equipment before use!
8. Bottle your wine and age it for at least 6 months before drinking it. Once racked, bottle your wine in either glass or food grade plastic bottles and age it for at least 6 months before drinking it.
Take a look at our full guide on what is wine made of?
What does it taste like?
Lugana Wines have a light and crisp flavor with aromas of citrus, apple, floral notes and a hint of almond on the finish. It pairs well with amarone della valpolicella, fish dishes and even desserts. These are usually made from grapefruit grown along the Lake Garda proper, the Lake Garda shoreline, or Lake Garda area. Each vine are deemed as an essential component of the rich taste of the said wine. It is a close relative of most white wines grown from a trebbiano di soave vine which is also a component of most sparkling wines. A wine enthusiast can confirm how important each vine of these grapefruits are to the flavor of the most delicious white wines from Italy.
The taste of wine varies based on how it’s matured (the time it spends on the lees, the type of vessel, and how long it stays in that vessel). Descriptive words for this wine can vary, but may include terms such as “salty,” “dry,” or “mineral-driven.”
Not only do the six Lugana wines taste mature, but each one had a unique flavor profile that came from the different soil in each vineyard. The wines of Lugana from the South features racy acidity because they are made with grapes grown from soil that contains a mineral that makes the grapefruit flavor and palate rich during late harvest. Aromas and flavors of green olive ranged from subtle to more pronounced.
How should I drink Lugana wine?
Check out the steps below on how to drink Lugana wine!
1. Choose the right glass. When drinking Lugana Wine, be sure to use the right glass. A tulip-shaped wineglass is ideal, as it allows you to smell the wine and appreciate its aromas.
2. Pour the wine. Pour the wine into the glass so that it is about two-thirds full.
3. Swirl the wine in the glass. Swirl the wine in the glass to allow it to aerate and release its aromas.
4. Smell the wine. Take a deep breath and smell the wine. Appreciate its aromas and flavors.
5. Taste the wine. Sip the wine and allow it to linger on your palate. Notice its taste and flavors.
As additional tips, you can also drink it with green apple, tropical fruit, lemon thyme, juicy palate doles, white peach, and any grape variety you can find that is rich with flavor.
What food goes well with Lugana wine?
- Fish dishes – fish dishes are perfect to pair with Lugana wine because of its light and crisp flavor. Try seafood dishes like salmon, cod, or shrimp with Lugana wine.
- Cheese – cheese is a great accompaniment to Lugana wine because it brings out the flavors of both the cheese and the wine. Try cheeses such as parmesan, gorgonzola, or ricotta salata.
- Desserts – lugana also pairs well with desserts such as tarts, cakes and ice creams! The sweetness of the dessert will compliment the citrus and floral notes of the wine.
Looking for an alternative? Take a look at our Fiano di Avellino guide.
Where can I buy Lugana wine?
Lugana wine can be found in specialty stores, online retailers and directly from the wineries themselves. You can also find Lugana on restaurant menus, especially those that specialize in Italian cuisine. Prices range from a few dollars to upwards of $50 for some of the more premium vintages.
The following shops sell Lugana Wine:
– Specialty stores
– Online Retailers
– Wineries
How much does Lugana wine cost?
The price of Lugana wine can range from a few dollars to $50 or more for some of the premium vintages. Generally, you should expect to pay about $20-25 for an average bottle.
For those looking for a more budget friendly option, there are plenty of stores and online retailers that offer great quality Lugana for less than $15 per bottle! So why not give it a try and enjoy the unique flavor that only Lugana has to offer? You won’t be disappointed!
Why is Lugana wine expensive?
Lugana wine is expensive because it takes a lot of work to create the perfect bottle. From growing and harvesting the grapes to bottling and aging, each step in the process is carefully monitored and controlled by experts who are dedicated to making sure that every bottle lives up to their high standards. Each vintage can be different depending on the weather conditions during that year’s harvest, which means more time and effort must go into making sure each bottle meets their expectations. This dedication, combined with its unique flavor profile, is what makes Lugana wine so sought after and worth the price tag.
How should I store Lugana wine?
Lugana wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with consistent temperatures. This is important to maintain the quality and taste of the wine. It’s also important to store Lugana on its side so that the cork stays moist and can protect the wine from oxygenation. Finally, it’s best to store Lugana away from amarone della Valpolicella as their flavors may interact and give off unwanted aromas or tastes.
FAQ
What is Lugana wine similar to?
Lugana wine is similar to Amarone della Valpolicella in many ways, but it still maintains its own unique flavor profile. Lugana has a light and crisp citrusy flavor with floral notes, while Amarone della Valpolicella is richer and more full-bodied with notes of dark berries, dried fruits, and raisins.
What does Lugana wine taste like?
Lugana wine has a light and crisp flavor with citrus and floral notes. It’s well balanced with hints of minerals, almonds, and herbs. The flavors are subtle but linger on the palate for a long time.
Is Lugana a dry wine?
Yes, Lugana is a dry wine with an alcohol content of 11-12% ABV. It’s well balanced and crisp with a light body that pairs perfectly with fish dishes, cheese, and desserts.
What grape variety is Lugana?
Lugana is made from a blend of Trebbiano di Lugana and Turbiana grapes. The Trebbiano di Lugana provides the light body, crisp texture, and citrus notes to the wine while the Turbiana gives it a rounder body with fruity and floral aromas.
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