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In short: Lugana is the great white wine of Lake Garda. It is made from the Turbiana grape on clay soils south of the lake, between Sirmione, Desenzano, Pozzolengo, Lonato and Peschiera. It comes in five styles, from the fresh young Lugana to the Riserva and the Spumante, and it pairs beautifully with lake fish, risotto and everyday cooking. This Lugana wine guide shows you how to recognise it, serve it and choose it.

What is Lugana?

Lugana is one of Italy's oldest DOC (controlled designation of origin) wines, recognised in 1967. It is a white wine made almost entirely from Turbiana, the signature grape of the area, which the production rules require at a minimum of 90%. Turbiana has long been compared with Trebbiano di Soave and Verdicchio, but on Lake Garda it has found its own character: lively acidity, aromas of citrus, almond and white flowers, and a surprising ability to age.

The name comes from the Lugana, an ancient wooded, marshy area between the lake and the morainic hills that was later drained and planted with vines.

The territory: south of the lake, on clay soils

The production area lies on the southern shore of Lake Garda, straddling Lombardy and Veneto. It includes five municipalities:

• Sirmione, the peninsula stretching into the lake;
• Desenzano del Garda;
• Pozzolengo;
• Lonato del Garda (all in the province of Brescia);
• Peschiera del Garda, in the province of Verona.

The secret of Lugana lies above all in the soil: calcareous clays of glacial origin, compact and rich in mineral salts, which give savoury, structured wines. The lake moderates the climate and brings steady breezes, helping the grapes ripen evenly while keeping their freshness.

The styles of Lugana

The production rules allow five versions, each with a distinct identity.

Lugana

The most common style: a young, fresh and fragrant white with notes of citrus, white peach and almond. Ideal within a few years of the harvest, although the best examples also develop well over time.

Lugana Superiore

Requires longer ageing before release (at least one year from the harvest). The wine gains structure, complexity and riper notes, often with mineral nuances.

Lugana Riserva

The most ambitious version: at least 24 months of ageing, part of it in bottle. Here Turbiana shows its ageing potential, with aromas of ripe fruit, herbs, honey and a hint of petrol. In our shop you will find, for example, the Menasasso Lugana Riserva by Selva Capuzza and the Lugana Riserva Vigne di Catullo by Tenuta Roveglia.

Lugana Vendemmia Tardiva

Made from late-harvested grapes picked well into autumn. The result is a richer, softer wine with notes of candied fruit and honey; it may have some residual sugar and also works with cheese and dry pastries.

Lugana Spumante

The sparkling version, made with the Charmat or the traditional method. Fresh and fragrant, it is perfect as an aperitif by the lake.

How to serve Lugana

• Temperature: 8–10 °C for young Lugana and Spumante; 10–12 °C for Superiore and Riserva, which express their aromas better a little warmer.
• Glass: a medium-sized white wine glass; a wider glass also suits the Riserva.
• When to open: young Lugana is ready to drink; a Riserva benefits from a few minutes in the glass.
• Storage: bottles lying down, in the dark, at a constant temperature. Once opened, keep the bottle stoppered in the fridge for a couple of days.

Food pairing: what to eat with Lugana

Its acidity and savouriness make it a very versatile wine at the table. The classic pairings come from lake cuisine:

• lake fish: whitefish, trout, pike in sauce, lake sardines;
• risotto, especially with perch, herbs or asparagus;
• starters and raw fish, grilled vegetables, savoury pies;
• fresh and medium-aged cheeses;
• the Riserva can also handle white meat, roast poultry and richer sauces.

A practical tip: try Lugana with fish dressed with a drizzle of Garda extra virgin olive oil, such as our Garda DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Frantoio Manestrini. A pairing that is local through and through.

How to choose a Lugana

A few simple guidelines:

• For an aperitif or a light lunch: a young Lugana or a Spumante.
• For a special dinner or as a gift: a Superiore or a Riserva.
• Check the vintage: basic Lugana is at its best in its first years, while a Riserva can wait longer.
• Explore several producers: each winery interprets Turbiana differently, depending on soil and style.

To get started, our shop offers the Montunal Lugana DOC by Montonale, the Lugana Demesse Vecchie by Famiglia Olivini and the Lugana DOC by Patrizia Cadore. The full selection is in our Lugana collection.

Lugana FAQ

Is Lugana a wine from Lombardy or Veneto?

Both. The Lugana DOC covers four municipalities in the province of Brescia (Sirmione, Desenzano, Pozzolengo, Lonato) and Peschiera del Garda in the province of Verona.

What is the difference between Turbiana and Trebbiano?

Turbiana was long called Trebbiano di Lugana and is related to Trebbiano di Soave and Verdicchio, but today it is recognised as Lugana's signature grape, with its own characteristics shaped by the territory.

Can Lugana be aged?

Yes. Young Lugana should be drunk fresh, but Superiore and Riserva are made to evolve and can improve for several years in bottle if stored correctly.

What goes well with Lugana Spumante?

It is perfect as an aperitif, with light fried lake fish, raw fish and nibbles. It also works well with a starter of delicate cured meats.

Bring Lake Garda home

Want to taste several interpretations of Lugana? Build your own 6-bottle carton from our Lake Garda wines, or choose one of our Lake Garda gift boxes, such as the Garda Experience Box. All our wineries are on the Shop – Wines and wineries page.

If you want to buy it online, also read our guide to buying Lugana wine online, with tips on labels, wineries and storage.