Lugana Centofilari Cesari: The “White Treasure” of Lake Garda
Lugana Centofilari Cesari embodies the elegance of Lake Garda’s white wines. Discover the unique traits of the Turbiana grape
While the beating heart of Gerardo Cesari is deeply rooted in Valpolicella Classica, our passion for the land has always driven us to explore new horizons.
Alongside iconic wines like Amarone, Ripasso, and Valpolicella Classico, a different soul of our winery thrives—one that is fresher, more vibrant, and profoundly summery. To discover it, one must travel slightly westward, where the hills open up to meet Italy’s largest lake. Here, on the southern shores of Lake Garda, Cesari Lugana Centofilari.
The Lugana Terroir: Clay Soils and Lake Breezes
The character of Lugana DOC wine is written in the deep geology of its soil. The southern shore of Garda is the result of ancient glacial retreats, which left behind a matrix of dense, calcareous, and heavily stratified clay. This is a challenging soil—compact during droughts and plastic after rain—yet extraordinarily rich in mineral salts. It is this unique combination that gives these Garda white wines an unmistakable saline backbone, a sapidity that is structural rather than artificial.
Shaping this raw material is the lake itself, acting as an immense thermal regulator. The large body of water mitigates temperature fluctuations and is constantly crossed by lake breezes – such as Pelér and Ora – which dry the grape clusters and keep the air clear. This unique microclimate allows for a slow, steady ripening of the grapes, preserving their acidity and translating solar energy into a vibrant, crisp freshness.
Cesari Centofilari: The Ultimate Expression of Turbiana
The heart of this project lies in the Centofilari vineyard, a dedicated plot of land where the geometry of the vine rows creates a constant dialogue with Lake Garda. The primary grape variety behind our Lugana DOC is Turbiana, an extremely aromatic variety beautifully complemented by a small percentage of Chardonnay.
Through meticulous canopy management and rigorous selection during harvest, we aim to achieve a blend that perfectly mirrors its place of origin. In the cellar, Lugana DOC Centofilari undergoes classic white wine vinification and rests on its lees for 3 months. The process involves gentle pressing of the grapes and alcoholic fermentation at 16°C.
The Centofilari vineyard also gives life to two other unique expressions from this lakeside shore: our Bianco Garda and Pinot Grigio Garda.
Tasting Notes: Freshness and Mineral Character
Lugana Centofilari stands out for its brilliant straw-yellow color with golden highlights. The nose opens with intense floral and fruity aromas: citrus notes intertwine with delicate hints of tropical fruit, ripe apple, and peach. As the wine evolves, more complex nuances emerge, recalling honey and an even more pronounced mineral character.
The palate is captivated by its lively freshness and marked mineral sapidity, perfectly balanced by a pleasant softness and fullness. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of great balance and harmony.
Why Choose Lugana for Your Aperitivo and Light Lunch
While Cesari Lugana is an ideal companion all year round, it is the ultimate summer wine, thanks to its ability to combine a crisp, refreshing drinkability with a thoroughly engaging structure.
Let’s start with the Aperitivo, where lightness is key. We recommend pairing Lugana Centofilari with:
- Seafood-based finger foods
- Fusion dishes with a rich base, such as avocado toast and uramaki
- Fresh pasta filata cheeses or short-aged goat cheeses
At the table, for a zero-mile lake-themed pairing, our Lugana pairs beautifully with:
- Whitefish tartare (Lake Garda coregone)
- Luccio alla Gardesana (Pike), served cold or lukewarm, with a sauce made from extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley, capers, and anchovies
- Grilled lake sardines
Finally, for those who can’t say no to a more substantial first course even in summer and want the perfect pairing for Lugana, we recommend traditional lakeside pasta dishes and risottos with wild herbs or perch.
Want to discover Cesari’s white wines? Our Lugana and the Centofilari line await you in our Wine Shop.