Manufacturer: Santi

MELIBEO LUGANA DOC

The grapes: 100% Trebbiano di Lugana

The vineyard: our grapes only come from selected old vineyards in the plain south of Lake Garda. The vines are grown using the spurred cordon and double-arched cane system on clayey-calcareous morainic soil and, thanks to the thinning out in the summer, bring only a small quantity of grapes to ripeness (max. 9 tonnes/hectare). The wine yield is further limited to 60%.

Vinification and aging: the grapes are harvested by hand and this is followed by immediate soft pressing and careful cold maceration on the skins in the press, while keeping them rigorously protected from contact with oxygen at all times. Pressing produces a clear and extremely rich must which ferments slowly at low temperatures, in steel vats, with selected and constantly reducing yeasts. When alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wine remains in contact with its yeasts, in steel containers at a controlled temperature, until February when bottling takes place. Further ageing in the bottle delays its market launch to the benefit of the wine's enhanced attractiveness and balance.

The wine: Lugana is a wine of recognized quality and elegance. Austere and slightly aromatic, it can maintain itself well over time. Melibeo 2010 has a light straw colour with golden reflections and a distinct bouquet with a fine fragrance of quince and citron. Its flavour is dry, fresh, harmonious and very tasty with an elegant aftertaste of exotic fruit which fades towards a slight almond bitterishness. Its distinguishing mineralness is expressed powerfully to the nose and palate. Melibeo is a fascinating wine of strong character which provides great satisfaction to those who want to get to know it.

Analytical data: alcohol 12.9 %; total acidity 5.25 g/l; pH 3.30; sugars 3.60 g/l; extract 18.5 g/l.

Optimum conservation: 2-4 years in bottles laid on their sides in a cool dark environment.

Gastronomic combinations: fine saltwater and freshwater fish; cold white meats.

Serving temperature: 12-14°C.