Lugana, the DOC wine of the Garda hinterland

The first typical Lombard product and among the very first in Italy to be awarded the DOC recognition, Lugana wine stems from the southern hinterland of Lake Garda, between the provinces of Brescia and Verona, where lovely hilly areas meet the typically Garda Mediterranean breeze. The result is a product of excellence with an international vocation.

Lugana DOC: the symbol of a land

A food and wine symbol of the geographical area between the municipalities of Sirmione, Desenzano, Lonato, Pozzolengo and Peschiera, Lugana wine embodies its essence, features and lifestyle.

It is no coincidence that the Lugana area welcomes the historic cars of the famous Mille Miglia race among its magnificent landscapes every year, just as it is no surprise that it is still today (and perhaps increasingly so) one of the favorite wines for a happy hour with friends or a romantic dinner.

Its success is the outcome of daily achievement in the field, enhanced by the precious work of the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC. Since 1990 this consortium has been the guarantor of the defense and promotion of this product now widespread throughout the world; today it represents over 200 member companies, many of which organize guided tours and tastings directly in their wineries throughout the year.

For more details and an updated list of participating wineries, visit the website www.consorziolugana.it.

Lugana wine: types and recommended pairings

In addition to the traditional Lugana wine, known for its pale straw-yellow color and delicate almond aromas, and perfect for starters and lake fish dishes, the current procedural guideline envisages the following:

• Lugana Spumante, a kind of sparkling wine obtained with either the Charmat-Martinotti method or the traditional method. It is best served with starters based on cold cuts and egg-based dishes;
• Lugana Superiore, aged for at least one year. It is perfect with fish and white meat dishes;
• Lugana Riserva, the name reserved for wine aged for at least 24 months (6 of which in the bottle). Its ideal end use is with fish and white meat dishes;
• Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva is finally among the most interesting novelties: the over-ripening process in the vineyard and the grape harvest in the period between late October and early November give the wine a soft and dense consistency. It is recommended with cheeses, both fresh and seasoned/savory.

Keeping its tradition alive while also looking to contemporaneity, a good glass of Lugana is the perfect match not only for cooked fish, but also for raw fish cuts such as sashimi and sushi: Lugana wine is highly appreciated in Asian countries. Other pairings involve the most modern and international variations of “finger food”.

Lugana DOC is where versatility, elegance, and rich nuances meet: all that’s left to do is toast!

The #luganalover park

Inaugurated in 2022, the newly redeveloped #luganalover park is located in the Lugana district and overlooks Lake Garda with all its splendor.

The park consists of 2,000 square meters of nature and vineyard, planted according to the characteristic local planting techniques; these are enriched by a meeting point with a gazebo and an information panel reporting data on the quality and methods of harvesting Lugana wine. Besides allowing tourists to cherish this extraordinary local excellence, the park is the ideal location for a relaxing break surrounded by the suggestive lake scenery.

#luganalover is located in Via Verona 31/45 in Lugana di Sirmione.

Other food and wine experiences

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