Destination Lugana is back in NYC this June from Monday the 12th until Thursday the 22nd.
Lugana — the captivating native white wine from Lake Garda
This year there will be a two week celebration of the area, during which 19 wine producers will offer their latest vintages at 6 restaurants and private clubs in Manhattan. These will be reservation-only dinners with special menus to go with Lugana wines. All of this is made possible by the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC which has been monitoring, defending, and promoting Lugana DOC wines since 1990. This year, like last year, I was invited by Virginia Cademartori head of PR and Communication for Platinum Media LLC.
Here is the list of the 6 restaurants taking part in the dinners for Destination Lugana:
IL FIORISTA (Monday, June 12, 2023)
VICEVERSA (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)
GNOCCO (Monday, June 19, 2023)
HEARTH (Monday, June 19, 2023)
MISIRIZZI (Wednesday, June 21, 2023)
OSTERIA CARLINA TRIBECA (Thursday, June 22, 2023)
All information on this event series, the participating wineries,
restaurants, and clubs can be found here: Destination Lugana.
Lugana wines come from an area that is on the border between the two provinces of Brescia and Verona. The DOC region stretches along an area south of Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. Lugana is made from the Turbiana grape, aka Trebbiano di Lugana, and may be related to Verdicchio.
Virginia sent me two samples to taste because she knows how much I enjoy Lugana wines.
Lugana DOC “Torre del Falasco” 2021 Cantina Valpantena made from 100% Trebbiano di Lugana. The grapes are destemmed and crushed followed by a short cold maceration on the skins. Then a soft pressing of the grapes and fermentation at a controlled temperature. It has hints of citrus fruit peach, floral notes a touch of lime, mineral notes and bright acidity. The winery suggested serving it with hors d’oeuvres, fish and white meats.
Lugana DOC “Conchiglia” Citari made from 100% Trebbiano di Lugana from vines 25 to 30 years old on the banks of Lake Garda. The soil is clay and limestone, rich in mineral salts and fossil shells (hence the name) Harvest is by hand in October. Fermentation is in stainless steel. The wine ages in stainless steel for 7 months, 6 of which are on the lees. This is a full bodied, balanced wine with hints of apple, white peach, grapefruit, citrus notes and a hint of almonds. The wine pairs well with white meats and fish. My favorite lake in Italy is Lake Garda and Lugana wine is a perfect combination with the fish from the lake.