What a full-bodied and powerful white wine, this Pievecroce from northern Italy. The Costaripa winery, located in Lombardy, produces this white wine in the Lugana wine region. It's a region known for its full-bodied white wines, and we couldn't agree more. The old vines, filled with Trebbiano di Lugana, are decades old and provide the winery with a full harvest. But that doesn't happen by itself, as the Costaripa winemaker explains. A lot of work is done in the vineyards, and the vines don't lack anything. The vineyard is located near Lake Garda, and that has an impact on the grapes. The fresh wind slows the grapes' growth and ensures a balanced season. Summer days in Lugana can be very warm, and the bunches seek coolness, which they find in the breeze from Lake Garda.
The harvest of the Costaripa Pievecroce Lugana
All of Costaripa's staff is assembled just as the harvest begins in mid-September. This is when the Lugana bunches are at their ideal ripeness, and they are harvested early in the morning. Harvesting in the morning is crucial to preserve the freshness of the grapes and to prevent excessive crushing of the Lugana grapes during transport to Costaripa. Upon arrival, the grapes are pressed, followed by thirty-five percent oak aging. This gives this white Pievecroce its strength and suppleness, which is clearly noticeable in the aroma and flavor.
The aroma and taste of the Pievecroce Lugana
When pouring this white Costaripa, the golden color immediately catches your eye, along with a beautiful, thick structure and a green sheen. The party has begun, and this Lugana's aroma reflects this: very powerful with nuances of pear, ripe apple, and apricot. But if you take a closer look after swirling the glass, you'll also discover notes of elderflower and a touch of smoke. Once the wine is in your mouth, you'll clearly notice its full structure, ripe exotic fruit notes, and invigorating hints of citrus and apple. The finish is very powerful and full, displaying all the beautiful qualities of a top-class Lugana.
2023
