Zenato Lugana San Benedetto DOC

Description

Zenato Lugana San Benedetto DOC is an Italian white wine made from grapes grown near Lake Garda southeast of San Martino della Battaglia.

Zenato was established in 1960 by Sergio Zenato and his wife, Carla. The Zenato wine cellars are located at San Benedetto di Lugana, in the heart of the Lugana region, on Lake Garda. Today, Zenato’s vineyards span three distinct estates. The 95-hectare Santa Cristina estate in San Benedetto di Lugana is dedicated to the Trebbiano di Lugana grape. In Valpolicella, the Costalunga estate is the birthplace of Zenato’s renowned Amarone, cultivated with the classic Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta varieties. Finally, in Tuscany, a small 3.8-hectare estate produces Zenato’s unique expression of the Bolgheri DOC, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As well as Amarone, Zenato also produces some other fantastic red wines, including Zenato Bardolino and Zenato Ripassa, and some lovely white wines like their Pinot Grigio and Lugana. Today the winery is in the capable hands of Sergio’s children, Alberto and Nadia, who have clearly inherited their father’s talents and wine-making passion.

Zenato Lugana San Benedetto DOC Winemaking

Zenato Lugana San Benedetto DOC is made from 100% Trebbiano di Lugana grapes from vineyards planted to the south of Lake Garda between Peschiera and Desenzano. The grapes are harvested at the end of September by hand. The grapes undergo a gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 16-18°C. The wine is then rested for another 4 to 5 months in stainless steel before bottling and a further 2 to 3 months in bottle prior to release.

Lugana wines are known for their fresh and crisp character, offering a balance between acidity and fruitiness. They typically exhibit flavors of citrus fruits, green apples, pears, and floral notes, with some examples showcasing hints of tropical fruits and minerality.

What is Trebbiano di Lugana?

For the wine nerds, there is a certain amount of discussion as to what Trebbiano di Lugana actually is. Is it a distinct variety called Turbiano, closely related to Verdicchio, or is it another name for Trebbiano di Soave. Regardless of its true identity, one thing is clear – Trebbiano di Lugana makes great white wine.

There is a good article about Trebbiano / Turbiana at the Fringe Wine Blog and at the Wine, Wit and Wisdom Blog.