Trebbiano Wine Under Another Name

Virtual wine tasting events are no stranger to me, especially in the era of COVID-19.  Get the box, open the box, log on and taste from home.  No social distancing to strain the process, no mask needed.  I was invited to take part in another online gathering of wine writers recently, to taste wines which have achieved the Tre Bicchieri - three glasses - status of Gambero Rosso International, the wine guide's highest accolade.

Perla Del Garda features on its website the words of the late Italian gastronome, Luigi Veronelli: "Wine is the song of the earth towards the sky."  Their 2017 Madonna Della Scoperta was made from the Turbiana grape - Trebbiano di Lugana - in the Lugana Superiore DOP.  Their vineyards are just south of Garda Lake, between Desenzano and Sirmione.  Alcohol rests at 13% abv and the retail price averages out to $21.

This wine has what I love about Italian whites - uncompromising minerality and salinity.  That's the nose in a nutshell, with a light touch of white flowers and a waxy feel.  The palate sports a nice lemon mineral note, with slightly racy acidity and a barely bitter finish.  I paired it with pierogies and minestrone.  Happy.

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