Deep straw color; honeysuckle, peach, white flowers, lemon zest on the nose; white peach, apple, pear, Meyer lemon, citrus, bit of banana, ginger, minerality on the palate.
Dry; crisp and lively. Good acidity (3.24 pH) that delightfully harmonizes with the ripe, very tasty fruits. The ripe fruits give the illusion of a dollop of honey as the wine matures in the glass. No oak. Made with 100% trebbiano di lugana (ugni blanc) grapes from the San Benedetto vineyard on the south shore of Lake Garda. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake; it is located in the northern part of Italy, a 30-minute drive from Verona.
Trebbiano, with all its place-name slight variations—trebbiano Toscano, trebbiano Romagnolo, trebbiano d’Abruzzo—is the most-planted white grape in Italy. There a various names because trebbiano responds strongly to terroir. The grape from the Lake Garda region is different from trebbiano from other locations.
Trebbiano typically produces wines that are light and crisp but lack character or depth. By holding back yield, Zenato produces a higher quality trebbiano wine. The microclimate around Lake Garda also influences this quality. Supple, medium body. Similar to sauvignon blanc without the cutting acidity. Also similar to pinot grigio with more body. Round with luxuriant mouthfeel. 13% ABV.
Sergio and Carla Zenato founded the winery in 1960. The original focus was exclusively on trebbiano di lugana, but as their children, Alberto and Nadia have taken over business they have expanded the vision. Today they also make amarone with grapes from Valpolicella region. Alberto is the winemaker while Nadia is in charge of marketing and promotional activities.
Zenato Lugana di San Benedetto Bianco 2020 is excellent expression of trebbiano grape. Fresh, lively, appropriate acidity, polished, balanced, long finish. Very pleasing mouthfeel. Delicious ripe fruit. Pair with hors d’oeuvres or pour as an aperitif. Pair with lean fish; shellfish; cured meats; garden salads; pasta; hard cheese. Enjoy it on its own, well chilled on patio, poolside, deck, at a picnic. $14-20
U.S. importer of Zenato website
