Lugana 1999 Harvest Outlook: Promising Yield, Prices, and Awards

The 1999 grape harvest of trebbiane grapes from Lugana is shaping up to be quite promising. This is a very widespread situation among all producers, who, despite some areas being affected by hail, can look forward to good results, especially regarding the quantity of grapes.

Quantity and regulations

The quantity, as is well known, is set by the new regulations at 12.5 tons per hectare for the production of grapes destined for Lugana Doc and Lugana Doc Spumante, and at 11.0 tons for grapes designated for Lugana Doc superiore. The 1999 yield is essentially self-regulated by nature after the exceptional production last year, which forced many producers to remove all surplus Trebbiano bunches.

Furthermore, this year’s harvest could even be brought forward by a week compared to traditional times, thanks to the exceptional ripening already achieved, despite the frequent rains of this summer.

Prices and enological results

Just yesterday afternoon, at the Brescia Chamber of Commerce, the benchmark prices for grapes for the upcoming harvest were established. For Trebbiane Lugana Doc, prices will range between 110,000 and 155,000 lire per quintal, while for the selected superiore, prices will fall between 160,000 and 190,000 lire per quintal.

Results in national competitions continue to praise Lugana producers. At Douja D’or 1999, four Lugana wines achieved notable success: the Lugana ’98 from Cantine Berardi, the Lugana ’96 from Cantina Marangona, the Lugana ’98 from Cantine della Valtenesi and Lugana, and the Lugana ’97 from Provenza.

Presence and celebrations

Finally, it is worth noting the presence of Lugana DOC of Fratelli Fraccaroli, which will continue throughout 1999 alongside the renowned soprano Katia Ricciarelli during the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Lady Baudo’s career.