winery Ancilla Lugana
“Yellow Road" could not pass by Verona in any way ... Well, in any way
In the middle of the nineteen seventies, Ancilla - grandmother of Luisella Benedetti, bought two holdings with vineyards: La Ghidina and Cadellora. The first in Lugana di Sirmione, in the heart of the production area of one of the most elegant whites of Italy, and the second in Villafranca di Verona.
In Lugana di Sirmione, almost facing Lake Garda, lie 6 hectares of Turbiana vineyards.
Planted on terrain typical of the Lugana denomination area, consisting of a clay silt as hard as rock when the weather is dry but that can turn into a slimy, sticky quagmire when it rains…
Only 4 of the 17 hectares of property around the cellar are planted with vines. Here, Ancilla Lugana cultivate the international varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are the basis of sparkling wines.
And now it is no accident on the black and white map only two colored icons. In the upper left corner (red mark) is located literally on the shore of the famous Lake Garda, and the other (the yellow house) is located slightly south of Verona. These badges are the vineyards of the Ancilla enterprise.
As the connoisseurs of the wine business write: the climate is one of the most favorable: the proximity of the lake prevents the build up of moisture, ensuring good ventilation and an excellent day-night temperature range.
This time we were interested in purely practical things, because the places are very familiar in classical literature and some of us, of course, dream to visit there in Verona. Visit Lake Garda, and what is there to hide, maybe swim in the thermal springs of Sirmione.
And today Luisella owner of the winery Ancilla Lugana answers our questions…
1 - The history of creating your favorite white (yellow) wine
The wine of the last harvest is, for a company, the freshest wine. This Lugana is called “Ella”, a diminutive of Luisella, my name, because when it was first grown, its grapes came from the youngest vineyards, and I too was the youngest in the family. Now its vineyards have reached an even better time, that of maturity, but they still give a fresh, pleasurably fruity and friendly wine. A wine that’s good with friends, a little like me.
To the eye, Lugana Ella is pale straw-yellow with the greenish tinges typical of Lugana wine.
On the nose, hints of yellow fruit, grapefruit and ripe citrus fruits stand out.
On the palate, this Lugana displays equilibrium, fresh and well-balanced in the ratio between sugar residues and acidity.
2 - Do you prefer (it's important for you) the color of the wine?
The colour of the wine is very important. Is your first sensation and give you the idea what are you going to drink.
3 - What is your favorite wine? And why?
My favorite wine is Maria Teresa Rossi. This wine was dedicated to my mother (Maria Teresa Rossi is the name of my mother)
4 - Your choice for the "Yellow Road" (you can give 1-2 wines)
Ella Lugana DOC and Maria Teresa Rossi brut
5 - You can offer (photo) the most beautiful view (favorite point) on vineyards or the surrounding landscape or photos of thermal springs
I’ll send you an email…
6 - Do you take part in the cultural life of the town Sirmione?
I take part more in town of Verona than Sirmione. Iwas born in Verona and I live there. Of course I participate to all the event of Lugana wines in Garda Lake area but my winery is in Villafranca di Verona and the vignards are in Sirmione and Villafranca di Verona.
7 - If the "Yellow Road" passes through Sirmione, your menu: dinner in (and how much it will cost the tourist)?
If you’ll arrive in Sirmione I suggest a dinner and stay in Palace Hotel Villa Cortine. Cost 60 €
8 - Which white wine producer (from Italy or another country) would you recommend for the "Yellow
Road"?
i’ll recomend Lugana wine of Ancilla of course (J) and Revi Trento DOC
9- Are there any wines in Sirmione stores?
Café ‘ Vineria , Piazzale Europa Sirmione
Sergey Evtuhov, author of the project
