2023 Ciabot Berton Langhe Nebbiolo 3 Utin DOCG, Piedmont

Zenato Lugana DOC Riserva Sergio Zenato is a refined and ageworthy white from the southern shores of Lake Garda, crafted as a tribute to the late Sergio Zenato, the visionary who elevated the Lugana appellation to international acclaim. Zenato Winery, founded in 1960, has long championed the Turbiana grape (a local variety closely related to Verdicchio), crafting wines that combine richness, minerality, and exceptional longevity. The Riserva bottling represents the pinnacle of their Lugana production, made from estate vineyards in Peschiera del Garda on calcareous clay soils that impart both power and finesse.

The vineyards benefit from Lake Garda’s moderating influence, which provides warm days, cool nights, and gentle breezes that preserve acidity and aromatic precision. The fruit for the Riserva is sourced from low-yielding, mature vines to ensure intensity and concentration. Grapes are hand harvested, gently pressed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to retain purity. A portion of the wine is then matured in large French oak barrels, adding subtle texture and spice, while extended aging on fine lees contributes creaminess and depth. The wine is bottled after around 12 to 15 months, then aged further before release to achieve perfect balance.

In the glass, the Sergio Zenato Riserva shows a luminous golden hue. Aromas of ripe pear, apricot, citrus zest, white flowers, and a hint of almond mingle with subtle notes of honey and flint. The palate is medium to full bodied, with layers of stone fruit, lemon curd, and saline minerality supported by vibrant acidity and a creamy, textural mid-palate. The finish is long, elegant, and slightly nutty, revealing the wine’s capacity to age gracefully over a decade or more.

This Lugana Riserva pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled lake fish, seared scallops with butter and lemon, roast chicken with herbs, or creamy risotto with asparagus. It’s also excellent with soft cheeses and lightly spiced Mediterranean cuisine. While drinking beautifully now, it has the structure to develop complex tertiary notes with time in the cellar.