Cascina Maddalena
Capotesta Lugana Turbiana
Lugana, Brescia, Lombardia, Italy
This is another Lugana wine, 100% Turbiana. It differs from the “Clay” in that it’s 100% stainless steel, whereas the Clay has 10% of the grapes aged in (old) oak barrels. This is a common practice in the Lugana region; one wine release is “fresh”, aged in all stainless steel, made for immediate drinking, whereas the reserve release has up to 10% of the grapes in restrained oak, and is intended to be aged a bit, like a Riesling.
This “fresh” wine has stronger flavors than the Clay. It really reminds one of a top-tier New Zealand SB. The citric flavors are there, but not overpowering; however, the finish has that bright acidic buzz. The body has the grassy tones that I am coming to associate with this region/style. There’s a touch of sweetness, easy to miss, which comes to the fore when paired with spicier foods.
I wish these wines were easier to procure in the US! They’re made primarily for the German market, hence the similarities to Riesling.
This is another Lugana wine, 100% Turbiana. It differs from the “Clay” in that it’s 100% stainless steel, whereas the Clay has 10% of the grapes aged in (old) oak barrels. This is a common practice in the Lugana region; one wine release is “fresh”, aged in all stainless steel, made for immediate drinking, whereas the reserve release has up to 10% of the grapes in restrained oak, and is intended to be aged a bit, like a Riesling.
This “fresh” wine has stronger flavors than the Clay. It really reminds one of a top-tier New Zealand SB. The citric flavors are there, but not overpowering; however, the finish has that bright acidic buzz. The body has the grassy tones that I am coming to associate with this region/style. There’s a touch of sweetness, easy to miss, which comes to the fore when paired with spicier foods.
I wish these wines were easier to procure in the US! They’re made primarily for the German market, hence the similarities to Riesling.