Lugana DOC Appellation

Lugana DOC is a white wine appellation located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, stretching across the border of Lombardy and Veneto. The character of the wines here largely results from the region's geology – white-clay soils, which were once part of Lake Garda's bottom, give the wines distinctive minerality and notes of citrus and white almonds.

Wines are produced here in several styles – from fresh classic versions, through more mature superiore and riserva, to sparkling variants. They are united by crisp acidity and characteristic structure, thanks to which wines from Lugana work well both fresh and after years of aging.

Turbiana – the grape variety on which Lugana DOC is based

Turbiana is a white grape variety on which the entire character of the Lugana appellation is based. It is thanks to its structure and acidity that local wines combine freshness with minerality, regardless of style – classic, superiore or riserva.

In young wines, turbiana gives aromas of white flowers, green apple and citrus, as well as a subtle note of almonds. After years of aging, it develops tertiary aromas – including characteristic petrol notes – which makes Lugana a wine with real aging potential.

Cà Lojera – family vineyard founded in 1992

Cà Lojera is a 20-hectare vineyard located in the heart of the Lugana DOC appellation, run by the Tiraboschi family. The first vintage of wine was produced here in 1992, although the beginning of the whole story has something of chance about it – Ambra and Franco Tiraboschi bought the property just before harvest and couldn't find a buyer for the grapes. So they decided to make wine themselves.

Today the vineyard produces wine exclusively from its own grapes, harvested by hand. The characteristic white-clay soils on which the vines grow were once part of the bottom of Lake Garda – the largest lake in Italy. They give Cà Lojera wines a distinctive mineral character that sets them apart from other white wines from northern Italy.

The winery's philosophy is based on showing that Italian white wines can be excellent both in youth – fresh and mineral – and after years of aging, when they develop complex tertiary aromas.

Cà Lojera Lugana DOC

Wine made entirely from turbiana, fermented in stainless steel tanks. Expressive white with developing minerality combined with pleasant acidity. In the bouquet, aromas of white flowers, green apple and citrus bitterness with a hint of flint. On the palate it develops gradually, with well-balanced acidity.

What it pairs with: as an aperitif, with snacks, fresh cheeses and freshwater fish – eel or trout.

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Cà Lojera Lugana Superiore DOC

Wine made from hand-harvested turbiana grapes growing on the vineyard's white-clay soils. Aging took place on the lees in oak barrels using bâtonnage for 12 months. In the bouquet, aromas of ripe orchard fruits, oak and white almonds, which on the palate transition into round, full mouthfeel with notes of vanilla. Crisp acidity complements the finish.

What it pairs with: pasta with seafood, vegetable dishes, soups, raw fish and oysters, as well as Asian cuisine.

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What does Lugana wine pair with?

Crisp acidity and mineral structure make wines from the Lugana appellation excellent companions for dishes with delicate flavors – especially those from water. Classic lugana wine, light and fresh, tastes best with freshwater fish from Lake Garda, such as eel or trout, but also with seafood, fresh cheeses and light snacks. They also work well as an aperitif.

Lugana Superiore, with a more developed structure and notes from oak aging, handles heavier dishes – pasta with seafood, soups, vegetable dishes, raw fish and oysters. Due to its distinctive acidity and slightly nutty notes, it also pairs well with Asian cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

What grape variety is Lugana wine made from? Wines from the Lugana DOC appellation are made from the turbiana grape – a white variety cultivated on the southern shores of Lake Garda. It is turbiana that accounts for the characteristic minerality, crisp acidity and aromas of citrus and white almonds that distinguish wines from this appellation.

Where is the Lugana DOC appellation located? The Lugana DOC appellation is located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, on the border of two Italian regions – Lombardy and Veneto. Characteristic of it are white-clay soils, which were once part of the lake's bottom.

Is Lugana wine suitable for aging? Yes. Wines from the Lugana appellation have real aging potential, which sets them apart from many other Italian white wines. Over time, they develop tertiary aromas – including characteristic petrol notes – and gain complexity.

What do Lugana wines pair with? Wines from the Lugana appellation pair well with freshwater fish (eel, trout), seafood, fresh and aged cheeses, and light Italian cuisine dishes. Superiore versions handle heavier dishes – pasta with seafood, raw fish, oysters and Asian cuisine.