Boston Wine Expo 2003
The Lugana of Fratelli Fraccoroli

We were on an Italian white kick, and enjoying it immensely. We now came across a trio of Lugana wines from the Fratelli Fraccoroli. Flori Tersigni was pouring, and explained that these wines were "very much like a beaujolais nouveau". They are fermented relatively quickly, and after a few months are in the hands of the public. They should be drunk within 18 months.

Lugana wines are made from the Trebbiano di Lugana white grape, and are made in the Veneto region of Italy. The wine has been enjoyed by Roman emperors since the days of Christ, and continues to be enjoyed today. The wine is yellow to greenish, and has a very light, gentle flavor.

Flori had three wines, all from the same winery and all from the Lugana grape, which were made in different styles. We found it fascinating how the same grape from the same small region could create such unique wines.

Flori Tersigni and the Lugana Wines

Lugana Vigneto Pansere 2001
The grapes for this wine grow on the western slopes of the vineyard, and catch the rosy sunset rays. The wine is named for this evening sun. It's aged in stainless steel for 3 months and then sits in the bottle for 3 months. It has a light, fruity melon flavor, perfect for having before a meal or for sipping long afterwards. We could that it was a wine you could easily drink a lot of without thinking about it, pleasant and fresh. It goes for $12-$15.

Lugana Vigna Campo Sera 2000
This lugana is a blend of 50% done in stainless steel with 50% done in oak. They add in enough oak to create a softness and body in this version of lugana. They use different proportions each year to reach that same blend quality. The wine was crisp, fruity, tart and fresh, with a buttery pine-nut ending. This sells for $18-$26.

I Fraccoroli 2000
This wine is treated with great care. It goes through maceration, then rests in oak for 3-4 days before it is pressed. It ages in wood for 6 months, then spends another 6 months in stainless steel. The end result is a rich, fruity wine well enjoyed with a fine meal. Cost: $25-$32.

The Fratelli Fraccoroli Website (in Italian)

Main Page for Boston Expo 2003
First Stop - Fratelli Castino Gavi
Next, the Verdicchio
The Lugana of Fratelli Fraccoroli
The Verdicchios of Verdoni
Dominus Vertical: 1994 & 1995
Dominus Vertical: 1996 & 1997
Dominus Vertical: 1998 & 1999
Ending with Prosecco