Fabiano Lugana Argillaia 2025

Fabiano Lugana Argillaia 2025

Argillaia is Alessandro Fabiano’s own interpretation of Lugana, a project that began in 1990 and focuses on more structure and depth without losing the characteristic freshness of Lake Garda. The 2025 combines juicy citrus and white flowers with a full, almost saline taste, beautifully showcasing how much character Turbiana can develop on the clay-rich soils of Lugana.

Vineyards and region

The grapes are selected from historic vineyards near San Benedetto di Lugana, just south of Lake Garda.

• Location / Origin: San Benedetto di Lugana is located near Peschiera del Garda, in the Venetian part of Lugana DOC. The historic plots are situated south of the lake, in the area between Peschiera, Sirmione and Desenzano.

• Soil: The vines grow on distinctly clay-rich soils with limestone. This heavy, calcareous clay is typical of the central Lugana area and forms the basis for the combination of structure, freshness and savoury tension.

• Climate & Influences: Lake Garda moderates temperatures and regularly brings cooling air to the vineyards. This creates a relatively mild microclimate in which Turbiana can ripen evenly.

• Vineyard Management: Fabiano selects historical, low-yielding vineyards trained according to Guyot and the traditional double capovolto system. The limited yields provide extra concentration to the grape material.

Vinification and aging

The cellar approach remains deliberately precise and restrained, so that the character of Turbiana and its clay-rich origin remain central.

• Harvest & Selection: The grapes are hand-picked, destemmed and then gently pressed to obtain a clean base without harsh extraction.

• Fermentation: The juice ferments in stainless steel tanks at a maximum of 14 °C. This cool fermentation protects the delicate citrus and floral aromas and maintains natural freshness.

• Aging / Maturation: After fermentation, the wine remains in stainless steel for 5 months and then undergoes another 1 month of bottle aging before release. This wood-free aging gives the wine time to develop more cohesion and structure without losing its pure fruit expression.

Grape composition

Argillaia is entirely about the local white grape that defines the identity of Lugana.

• Turbiana, also called Trebbiano di Lugana – Lugana: Turbiana combines lively acidity with a relatively firm structure and typical nuances of citrus, flowers and almond. On the clay-limestone soils around Lake Garda, the grape also acquires the savory, almost saline tension that is so characteristic of good Lugana.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Clear straw yellow with fresh aromas of citrus, white flowers and crisp white fruit. The taste is juicy and structured, with a beautiful savory tension and sufficient volume against the fresh acidity. The finish is clean, refined and pleasantly lingering.

• Serving temperature: Serve this Lugana at 8–10 °C, so that the citrus and floral aromas remain lively and the full, savory structure comes into its own beautifully.

• Dishes: Excellent with risotto, shellfish and crustaceans, grilled fish, pasta with seafood or refined dishes with chicken and other light meats.

Awards

• 94/100, Luca Maroni (2025): The 2025 vintage achieves 94 points, composed of 32 points for consistency, 31 for balance, and 31 for integrity. A particularly strong rating for the combination of concentration and harmony.

More information about Fabiano

The history of Fabiano began in 1912, when Francesco Fabiano, together with his son Sergio, started selling their own wine in Venice and gradually expanded the company towards Verona. In subsequent generations, the family house grew internationally, after which from the 2000s, there was a conscious emphasis on quality and smaller productions. Today, Alessandro Fabiano represents the 4th generation, and Lugana, Ripasso, and Amarone are among the most important wines of the house.