Ca' dei Frati, `I Frati` Lugana 2024

In the last two decades, the Dal Cero family have transformed Ca’ dei Frati, on the southern shores of Lake Garda, into a thriving estate. Originally comprising just 12 hectares of vines, the family purchased significant vineyard holdings in 2008, growing Ca’ dei Frati to over 200 hectares. This increase in quantity is matched by quality and today Ca’ dei Frati are among the best producers in Lugana.

 

The ‘I Frati’ Lugana is lively and scented, consistently offering superb value from vintage to vintage. It is made solely from the Turbiana grape variety, which is closely related to Verdicchio and formerly known as Trebbiano di Lugana and Lugana. The resulting wine has a depth and zippy acidity that few wines from this area demonstrate. Vines are 12 to 37 years old. In Lugana, the Turbiana grape is grown on the glacial soils just to the south of Lake Garda. The warmer days give wines with more weight and intensity than those from 60 kilometres to the east. The cool nights, thanks to the moderating influence of the lake, ensure the grapes retain aroma and acidity.

 

This wine is a pale yellow in colour, with a concentrated and fresh perfume of white flowers, apricot, spice and candied fruits. The `I Frati` has excellent depth and balance and a crisp, saline finish.