At the border between Lombardy and Veneto, south of Lake Garda, the Trebbiano di Soave grape, also known as Trebbiano di Lugana or Turbiana, is cultivated. This indigenous white grape variety is used to produce Lugana, a DOC wine since 1967, which surprises us every year with excellent versions from historic wineries (but not only) in the area during the tastings for the Vini d’Italia guide by Gambero Rosso.
Trebbiano di Soave, di Lugana, or Turbiana
Call it what you will, but this indigenous white grape variety is the foundation of one of the most famous wines produced south of Lake Garda: Lugana. Here are the labels you need to try.
The municipalities included in the appellation are Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, Lonato, Pozzolengo, and Peschiera del Garda, straddling Brescia and Verona. These lie in a flat area of morainic origin that rises gently into the first hills toward San Martino della Battaglia. The soils are characterised by layers of light-coloured clays with highly mineral-rich calcareous components, which tend to become sandier as the terrain ascends into the hilly area.
Historically, these soils were covered by the swampy forests of the ancient Selva Lucana, from which the grape takes its name. These unique soils harden and compact during dry periods, becoming muddy and plastically soft during rainy seasons. Their particular composition imparts extraordinary minerality, savouriness, structure, and longevity to the wine.
The Trebbiano di Soave Grape (di Lugana or Turbiana)
Trebbiano di Soave has medium-sized clusters, with berries that have thick skins covered in bloom. It is a variety of Trebbiano with a notable aromatic profile and lively acidity. The wine itself is straw yellow in colour, which develops golden reflections over time. Its aromatic profile is characterised by fruity and citrus notes, with hints of tropical fruit. On the palate, the wine offers remarkable freshness and minerality, along with a harmonious bouquet and a savoury finish.
Lugana: Available Styles and Characteristics
In addition to the standard version, Lugana is also available as Superiore, Riserva, Spumante (produced using either the Classic or Charmat Method), and Late Harvest.
The Riserva versions exhibit more complex, broad, and soft aromas that evolve over time into balsamic notes and hints of flint and hydrocarbons, showcasing excellent ageing potential. Its natural acidity makes it ideal for producing Classic Method sparkling wines with elegant aromas, citrusy notes, and hints of bread crust. When aged extensively on the lees, these sparkling wines develop complex aromas of candied fruit, exotic fruit, and patisserie.
Lugana is highly versatile in food pairings. The younger, simpler versions and sparkling wines are perfect as aperitifs or to accompany light fish starters, while the Superiore, Riserva, and long-aged Classic Method versions are particularly suited for substantial fish dishes or white meats. Late Harvest versions, made from overripe grapes, are dessert wines that pair perfectly with aged or blue cheeses or dry pastries. They are not excessively sweet and express aromas of candied fruit with a pleasant acidity.
The new entry among the Tre Bicchieri winners
With the Lugana Cemento 2022, Marangona winery has joined the 52 producers awarded Tre Bicchieri for the first time this year. The winery is one of the most dynamic in the area, thanks to siblings Laura and Alessandro Cutolo, who manage the 34 hectares of vineyards between Sirmione and Pozzolengo. The organically farmed vines, primarily dedicated to Turbiana, range from 30 to over 50 years old. The wines are characterised by a sapid, mineral-focused simplicity. All bottles feature technical corks.
The best Lugana wines: Tre Bicchieri and Due Bicchieri Rossi
The following list highlights first the Lugana wines from Lombardy, followed by those from Veneto, which particularly impressed us and were awarded the highest recognition or reached the finals (Due Bicchieri Rossi) during tastings for the 2025 edition of Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia guide.
Lombardy
The excellent Lugana Cemento '22 from Marangona, made from vines over 40 years old and fermented (and matured) in natural cement tanks with the skins, is a wine of quintessential freshness and simplicity. Its floral tones, gustatory tension, and mineral backbone perfectly reflect the terroir.
Marangona takes its name from an old bell at the farmhouse that marked the working rhythms in the surrounding countryside. The winery is one of the most dynamic in the area, thanks to siblings Laura and Alessandro Cutolo, who manage 34 hectares of vineyards between Sirmione and Pozzolengo. The organically farmed vines, mainly dedicated to Turbiana, are 30 to over 50 years old. The wines are characterised by a sapid, mineral-driven simplicity. All bottles feature technical corks.
Perla del Garda’s Lugana Perla '23 offers a modern and essential interpretation of the style, presenting a crystalline white wine that is sapid, taut, and rich in citrus and aromatic herbal notes. On the palate, it is dry, dynamic, and lively, enchanting with clear white fruit tones and closing nervously with elegant vegetal and aromatic hints.
The winery has a family agricultural tradition dating back to the 1400s. Its activities migrated from the Verona mountains to Brescia province, on the shores of Lake Garda. In 2006, after several harvests, the first bottles emerged from the winery, built among the vineyards to allow gravity-fed winemaking. Now run by Ettore and Giovanna Prandini, the estate expanded into Valtènesi in 2021. They also produce EVO olive oil.
The Lugana Armonie 2022 from Pilandro winery is light and refreshing, with fine fruity notes of white peach, apple, and citrus. The palate offers balance and minerality, with a savoury and persistent finish. The Pilandro estate, owned by the Delibori family, is located near Desenzano del Garda and produces elegant wines with a strong identity, using grapes grown on morainic soils.
Demesse Vecchie 2021 expresses elegance and complexity, with ripe fruit notes and a delicate spiced undertone. On the palate, it offers a structured balance, with vibrant acidity and a savoury finish. This wine comes from older vineyards cultivated by the Olivini family, who focus on sustainable and innovative winemaking.
Selva Capuzza’s Lugana Riserva Menasasso 2020 is a well-structured wine with notes of ripe yellow fruits, flint, and subtle balsamic hints. The palate is harmonious, with excellent persistence and ageing potential. The winery, located near San Martino della Battaglia, has a long history of producing high-quality Lugana wines.
The Riserva Fabio Contato 2020 by Cà Maiol is a flagship wine with a rich bouquet of tropical fruit, candied citrus, and toasted notes. The palate is creamy, with great depth and a long finish. Cà Maiol, part of the Santa Margherita Wine Group, is a prominent producer in the region, known for its modern approach to traditional winemaking.
Feliciana’s Lugana Luna Crescente 2022 is a vibrant wine with floral and citrus aromas, accompanied by a refreshing minerality. It’s an ideal pairing for light dishes and seafood. The winery, located in Pozzolengo, focuses on producing small quantities of high-quality Lugana from organically farmed vineyards.
Ca’ Lojera’s Riserva del Lupo 2020 is a robust and complex Lugana with notes of dried fruits, spices, and balsamic undertones. The palate is full-bodied, with a savoury and lingering finish. The estate is run by Ambra and Franco Tiraboschi, who are committed to preserving the authenticity of Lugana wines.
Citari’s Lugana Monte Olivi 2022 showcases citrus and floral aromas, with a delicate savoury backbone. On the palate, it’s fresh and lively, with a balanced finish. The winery, located near Desenzano del Garda, is known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Veneto
Ottella’s Le Creete 2022 is a standout Lugana with intense notes of white flowers, tropical fruits, and a touch of flint. The palate is structured and elegant, with a long, mineral-driven finish. Ottella, a family-owned winery in Peschiera del Garda, is known for its artistic approach to winemaking.
Tommasi’s Lugana 2023 is fresh and fruity, with aromas of citrus and green apple. The palate is vibrant and well-balanced, making it an excellent choice for aperitifs and seafood dishes. Tommasi is a renowned producer in Veneto, with a focus on sustainable viticulture.
Zenato’s Lugana San Benedetto 2023 is a classic interpretation of the style, with bright citrus and floral notes. On the palate, it’s crisp and refreshing, with a clean finish. Zenato is a historic winery in Veneto, known for its dedication to the Turbiana grape.
Sansonina’s Lugana Oasi Mantellina 2022 offers a rich bouquet of tropical fruit, citrus, and a hint of almond. The palate is smooth and balanced, with a persistent finish. Sansonina, part of the Zenato family estate, focuses on producing high-quality Lugana with a modern twist.
Le Morette’s Lugana Benedictus 2022 is a complex and elegant wine with notes of ripe peach, citrus, and honey. The palate is full-bodied, with a harmonious balance of acidity and minerality. The winery, located near Peschiera del Garda, is dedicated to sustainable farming practices.
Zenato’s Riserva Sergio Zenato 2020 is a premium Lugana with a bouquet of tropical fruit, candied citrus, and toasted almonds. The palate is rich and creamy, with excellent ageing potential. This wine represents the pinnacle of Zenato’s commitment to quality.
Zeni 1870’s Lugana Pas Dosé Metodo Classico is a sparkling wine with fine bubbles and aromas of citrus, white flowers, and brioche. The palate is dry and elegant, with a refreshing finish. The winery, located in Bardolino, combines tradition with innovation to create exceptional wines.
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