THE LUGANA OF TOMMASI FAMILY
Le Fornaci expresses the importance that the Tommasi family dedicates to the production of Lugana doc and its territory.
THE PROJECT
A highly desired wine to add to our portfolio due to its extraordinary elegance and depth; there’s an intense passion for Lugana, an unmistakable, rigorous, and classy white wine that is able to win the battle of time.
The first investment of approximately 5 hectares was made in Desenzano del Garda, near San Martino della Battaglia, a small town known for the battle that marked the end of the Second War of Independence in the late 1800s.
The vineyard was called Le Fornaci from the very beginning, due to a one-of-a-kind archeological site: an ancient Roman kiln dating back to the I-II Century AD was discovered in the area, halfway between Brescia and Verona, which was used to make bricks for the construction of the first residential settlements, thanks to the abundance of clay and water.
For this reason, our label still today displays the name Le Fornaci, as well as a drawing of the characteristic Monument Tower, symbol of San Martino della Battaglia.
With a strong belief in the Lugana territory and its wine, the Tommasi family has cultivated a dream of expanding the project. In 2013, after conducting much research in the area, additional investments were made in Desenzano.
The Fornaci Estate, therefore, is made up of three main vineyards located in different areas of Lugana Doc, making up a total of 45 hectares: one larger plot of land by Lake Garda, and two further inland, all in Desenzano.
All of the vineyards were planted with a single typical vine variety, called Turbiana, using the guyot training system and a high vine density (approximately 5,000 vines per hectare).
There is also an important project in the works to accompany this investment: the construction of a winery entirely dedicated to the production of Lugana as well as a building destined for hospitality and wine tourism, with an area for tastings and refreshments for all visitors.

THE TERRITORY
A fertile plain South of Lake Garda. Vineyards are neat and beautiful as if depicted in a painting. A favourable, gentle climate. Yesterday “Lucana”, an inhospitable place full of forests and marshlands, today it’s breezy, generous, and as welcoming as a garden.  (Consorzio Lugana)
Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of Northern Italy, particularly the Southern rim.
In the past, this entire area was covered by the “Lucana Woods”, a very thick marshy forest which was reclaimed in the XV century by the Serenissima Republic of Venice in order to obtain additional lands to cultivate. However, the presence of grapevines in this area dates even further back, at least to the Bronze Age.
The Lugana area is “two-faced”, as it extends across the Southern shore of Lake Garda, from the Province of Brescia to that of Verona, for a total of 2000 hectares of vineyards.
Even from a wine standpoint, the Lugana territory can be divided into two macro areas.
The first, which is the larger one, is flat and is characterized by hard clay, and extends inland from Desenzano to Sirmione. This is the deep heart of the Lugana denomination, custodian of the traditional “lake” and mineral style.
The second area is more hilly, as it extends from the famed Monument Tower of San Martino della Battaglia. Here the earth is more sandy; the gently rolling hills don’t surpass an elevation of 130 metres; these are morainic soils, with a strong gravel element; the wines present a lower minerality to them and are more acidic and voluminous.
With regards to our Fornaci Estate: the plot of land closer to the lake is calcareous, variously stratified and rich in clay, while the inland plots present higher levels of sand and loam.
Having plots of land in both of these areas allows for a careful selection of grapes. These give body and structure if nourished by clay-based soil, while aromas and elegance if grown on sandy soil.
The earth is compact during dry periods, but soft and muddy after a rain.
These characteristics make up the key organoleptic properties of Lugana, giving the wine clear, powerful aromas, from almond to citrus, as well as acidity, sapidity, and a well-balanced structure.

THE VINE VARIETY
The microclimate of the Lugana area is strongly influenced by the temperate breezes of Lake Garda: it is mild and constant, with slight thermal excursions. With the protection of this ideal climate, the area is perfect for nurturing the characteristics of the unique Turbiana grape variety.
The Turbiana grape is a particular kind of clone of the Trebbiano, and is exclusively cultivated in the Lugana area. Aside from having unique phenological, agronomic, and oenological characteristics, recent studies have shown that it presents signature aromatic properties as well.
Less productive compared to other Trebbiana varieties, Turbiana is a grape that grows in medium-sized, compact clusters; the grapes have a thick skin and juicy, slightly acidic pulp.

LUGANA “LE FORNACI”
Brilliant, intense straw yellow colour, Le Fornaci Lugana is fragrant with fruity aromas and notes of tropical fruits and grapefruit.
On the palate, it’s dry and harmonious with an elegant freshness.It is intense and persistent, with a sapid, mineral finish and a typical aroma of almond.
Lugana Le Fornaci is obtained through a delicate grape harvest. The grape skins are left in contact with the must for one day at low temperature.
Racking for natural sedimentation and slow, temperature-controlled fermentation (14°/18°) follow. Fining for approximately 3 months on fine lees, followed by a maturation period in stainless steel tanks.
Served at  cool temperature, it is ideal as an aperitif, with appetizers and finger food; it pairs well with both fresh and salt-water fish.
Excellent with flavourful first courses, risotto, delicate meats, and fresh cheeses.
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