Winery: Ca' Lojera
Region: Lombardia (Lombardy)
Locale: Sirmione (Brescia) Italy
Appellation: Lugana
Designation: DOC

Site: White Lugana clay, relatively flat, south shore of Lago di Garda’s original watershed. Hand harvest from late October until about November 10, when the leaves are red – Foglie Rosse. The rationale is to extract as much minerality as possible from the white clays at the south shore of Lago di Garda. The grapes are partially botryticized at this point, adding richness and complexity to the resulting wine.

Grapes: 100% Turbiana

Fermentation and Aging: Long, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Two years of aging in stainless steel and at least 6 months in bottle, in underground cellar under the level of the lake, at constant temperature.

Notes: Aromas of citrus, green apple, and floral notes, complemented by hints of almond and minerality. On the palate, it is well-structured and medium-full bodied, rich with flavors of ripe fruit, a touch of honey, and a balanced acidity that leads to a long, elegant finish. Excellent with seafood, white meats, and aged cheeses.

Interesting to Know: “del Lupo” is a reference to the bandits, pirates really, of old Lago di Garda, who hid in the inlets and small bays formerly found on the lake’s south shore and were said to be protected by wolves. The wine is a very special interpretation of Lugana – late harvested to achieve higher levels of sugar but somehow managing to preserve balanced acidity. The idea was to create a wine that was in fact still young 10 years after the vintage, and fresh even 15 years after the vintage. The impression is very much of a top Vouvray, with some bottle age. The first vintage of Lupo was 2003.