It is somewhat a tragedy when modernism & progress threaten the hard work for 4 generations of winemakers in a region that produces absolutely beautiful, if a little secret, gems of Italy...

Historical records show that Azienda Ottella was the 1st in the province of Verona to produce the Lugana wine, a lovely white made by the Verdicchio grape, called "Turbiana" or "Trebbiano di Lugana" in this part of the world.

But now, there are talks of the construction of a new high-speed railway that will cut directly across the region and not only threaten the fragile ecosystem of the area, but forever take away "some of Italy's most precious national treasures", 35 old vines which are the source of wonderfully complex & mineral wines.

Today, at a tasting at the winery, I discovered beautiful wines w/ wonderful refreshment complexity & oh-so fresh!

My favourite was "Le Creete" which refers the to the white clay which dominates the soil where the vines to make the wine are planted. The wine displayed lovely ripe citrus fruits w/ delicate notes of orange blossom. Fresh w/ a beautiful smooth & silky texture & a very long palate... The finish, perfumed & sapid w/ a refreshing acidity & a certain "salinity" often described as minerality that gives the wine intensity & "thrill"... Beautiful wine...

The Prima Luce, a blend of Turbiana, Garganega, and Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes dried 3 months in the "appassimento" method, was wonderful in perfume, fruit, & nuts. Lovely & delicate complexity w/ notes of sponge toffee, candied citrus peel, roasted nuts, & honey & a whiff of orange blossom. Surprisingly light & fresh on the palate, more "moelleux" than "liquoreux" in texture. Mouthwatering finish w/ roasted nuts & perfume... Wonderful.