Cà dei Frati 'I Frati' Lugana

A stunning, beautifully balanced and succulent Italian wine from the Lake Garda area of Veneto. On the nose, there are hints of ripe fruit, peaches, yellow apples, rose petals with fresh, balsamic notes. Very fresh and elegant on the palate. Crafted from 100% Turbiana, a rare, indigenous white grape similar to Verdicchio Bianco.

• Winery: Cà dei Frati
  
• Varietal: 100% Turbiana
• Region: Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
  
• Alcohol: 13%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
  
• Food pairing: Seafood antipasti, spaghetti with clams, fried freshwater or ocean fish; vegetarian dishes; sushi; risotto; white meats, chicken curry; cheeses

This delicious wine is Ca’ dei Frati's pride and joy - the wine that put them on the map and continues to embody the very essence of the company. With an unbreakable bond to its native variety, Turbiana, this remarkable wine is a true expression of the land. The grape Turbiana is genetically very similar to Verdicchio Bianco. Though crafted to be enjoyed in its youth, it reveals its finest qualities long after bottling, rewarding those who embrace patience. In its early years, it is fresh and poised, exuding elegance and finesse. Delicate aromas of white flowers intertwine with balsamic undertones and a whisper of apricot, creating a refined and graceful bouquet. With time, it transforms, unveiling a deeper complexity - mineral notes grow bolder, while hints of iodine, warming spices, and candied fruit emerge to enrich its character. On the palate, it envelops every corner with its captivating savoury essence, beautifully balanced by a lively, exuberant acidity. A wine that evolves, surprises, and delights - this is the spirit of Turbiana, a testament to tradition, patience, and passion.

Once Upon a Time...

The story of Ca’ dei Frati is one woven with history, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the land. Its roots trace back to 1782, as documented in records that speak of "a house with a cellar in Lugana, in the Sirmione area, known as the place of the Friars." It was in 1939 that Felice Dal Cero, son of Domenico - a winemaker from Montecchia di Crosara in the Verona region - arrived at this very house in Lugana di Sirmione. From the moment he set foot on its soil, he recognised the land’s extraordinary potential for winemaking.

After three decades of tireless dedication in the vineyard and the cellar, his son Pietro played a pivotal role in the creation of the DOC designation in 1969, bottling the very first Lugana Casa dei Frati - later to be known as Ca’ dei Frati. The legacy continued, and in 2012, upon Pietro’s passing, his wife Santa Rosa and their children, Igino, Gian Franco, and Anna Maria, embraced the family’s vision, carrying it forward with the same passion and determination.

Time: A Winemaker’s Ally

Each vineyard’s grapes are vinified separately, ensuring a crystal-clear expression of the terroir’s unique characteristics. Over the years, Ca’ dei Frati has refined an innovative yet respectful approach to winemaking, allowing them to craft wines of remarkable longevity and integrity. Their close friendship with the esteemed Gino Veronelli provided invaluable inspiration, reinforcing their belief that great wines are not just for the present but are a gift to the future.

The Wines of Ca’ dei Frati

For four generations, the Dal Cero family has nurtured their vines with an attentive eye and a deep respect for the land. The journey of their wine begins with the very first stirrings of the vine’s vegetative cycle, reminding them that each day of the year plays an essential role in crafting something truly exceptional. Every bottle is a testament to their commitment, a celebration of time, nature, and an unbreakable bond with their beloved territory.

• 90/100 Points - Falstaff (2023 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - Falstaff (2021 vintage)
• 91/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2020 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - Falstaff (2020 vintage)
• 90/100 Points - Gismondi on Wine (2020 vintage)
• 91/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)