Wines Lugana Fabiano - Argillaia - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Fabiano’s Cuvée Argillaia Lugana 2023 is an elegant white wine from the famed winegrowing area straddling Lombardy and part of the Veneto, on the southern shores of Lake Garda. This particular Lugana is crafted from the Turbiana grape (locally linked to Verdicchio), which is the regional flagship variety. The 2023 vintage is marked by youthful freshness and a particular brightness, thanks to a relatively cool and balanced growing season. Vinification typically involves stainless steel to preserve the grape’s intrinsic aromatics and natural acidity, yielding a wine that is crisp, lively, and expressive of its origins.

The Lugana region itself is well regarded for its mineral-rich clay soils and a climate influenced by Lake Garda, which provides a moderating effect, limiting temperature extremes and allowing for a longer ripening period. This combination results in white wines of notable finesse and mineral structure. Lugana’s historical roots date back to Roman times, and today, it is celebrated for producing some of northern Italy’s most refreshing and food-friendly whites.

This Lugana is wonderfully versatile at table. Its vibrant acidity and subtle floral and stone fruit notes make it an excellent companion for lake fish, especially perch, which is popular in the local cuisine, whether grilled or served in risotto. It also pairs beautifully with shellfish, seafood pasta, poultry with fresh herbs, or a simple caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. For a more regional touch, try it with tortelli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) or delicate risotti.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Fabiano Lugana Cuvée Argillaia 2023 chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Enjoy it young and fresh to best appreciate its aromatic intensity and zesty character. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up before sipping, and if aged slightly, you may notice additional complexity and a rounder texture.