In the first three months of 2021 the Lugana appellation grew, a significant double-digit increase that was recorded both for bottling (11.25%), and for prices: 23% for grapes and even 69% for bulk wine (source: Verona Chamber of Commerce compared to the first quarter of 2020). The drop in the ratio between stocks at the end of March and bottled in the previous 12 months gives an optimistic picture of the performance of the Denomination which convinced the Protection Consortium to approve the release of 50% of the bulk wine currently placed in storage . The proposal received the favorable opinion of the Lombardy and Veneto Regions, and therefore made it possible to make about 8,900 hectoliters of wine available to the Lugana DOC producers' chain.
" As already happened in October, the Consortium reacted promptly, thanks also to the flexibility inherent in the management measure of the offer that it was decided to adopt as a precautionary measure. Storage allowed us to be reactive and to better respond to needs. of producers - explains President Ettore Nicoletto. Satisfaction also comes from the market, which has recently welcomed the new vintage with enthusiasm. " The 2020 harvest has given us wines with great balance, thanks to the cool nights, which have preserved the acidity and elegance typical of Turbiana, and a thermal trend that has allowed a great aromatic expression - he adds. - It will be an extremely pleasant year in the immediate future, as the first feedbacks from both the critics, the tasting of the guides have just started, and the market are already confirming. But, making a prediction, we believe it will be remembered above all for some memorable Riserva types. "Lugana Riserva must age or refine for at least 24 months, of which 6 in the bottle. It is characterized by brighter chromatic tones, more evolved and complex aromas, warmer minerality on the palate and an evolutionary potential that can easily unfold over a dozen of years.
In this period, which is a prelude to the resumption of events in presence and promotional missions, the Consortium is concentrating on the analysis and definition of strategies in relation to some strategic markets for the export of DOC . A moment of study and comparison necessary also in the light of the results of the pandemic, which has also had a heavy impact on the dynamics of demand and consumption of wine. In collaboration with Wine Meridian, the Consortium is planning a series of in-depth studies dedicated to the main foreign countries, open to members but not only. The debut was on April 28, with a webinar on the USA, the second largest export market for the Denomination, behind only Germany.
The next scheduled dates will be:
- May 24, 2021 Webinar with focus on DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) 4:00 pm-5:00pm
- November 4, 2021 Webinar with focus on Japan from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
