Country: Italy   Region: Lugana, Lombardia Varietal: 100% Turbiana Vintage: 2014   Colour: White   Style: Dry Producer: Cá dei Frati Description: the southern shores of Lake Garda, into a model Italian estate over the past two decades. Back in 1987, they had 12 hectares of vineyard but now, following the purchase of a large chunk of prime vineyard in 2008, they have over 160 hectares. This increase in quantity has been matched by an increase in quality and today they remain the best producer in Lugana.  Vineyards: The secret to the success of the Ca' dei Frati wines is the outstanding vineyards. Most producers in the zone crop at high levels and train the vines high. At Ca' dei Frati, the vines are trained low, newer vineyards have a higher density of planting and yields are well below the average for the area. All grapes are grown in Ca' dei Frati's own vineyards, which are located on the south banks of Lake Garda, near the town of Sirmione. The vines from which 'Brolettino' is made were planted in 1971, with clay soils. The training system is single and double Guyot and the yield is eight tonnes per hectare. Vintage Information: A wet spring led to pressure from fungal diseases, but dry, cool weather in August set the tone for September, which saw sunny and dry days matched with unusually cold nights. An exceptional harvest followed a long ripening period. The wines from 2013 have less concentration and lower alcoholic content than other years, but more fruit, with richer aromas.   Vinification: Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small 225 litre barriques for 10 months. Malolactic fermentation was allowed to take place in a selected number of barrels. The wine then aged in bottle for three months before release.   Tasting Notes: Pale golden in colour, this wine opens with aromas of stone fruits and a touch of vanilla spice from the oak ageing. The palate has rich peach characters, with a creamy, honeyed texture lifted by stony minerality. Intense and concentrated through to the fresh finish. Food Matches: Aperitif / Shellfish / Mussels / Hors d'Oeuvres