Ca dei Frati 'Pratto' 2018

The Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca' dei Frati property, situated on the southern shores of Lake Garda, into a model Italian estate over the past two decades. Led by Pietro Dal Cero and his wife Santa Rosa in 1987, they had 12 hectares of vineyard but now, following the purchase of a large chunk of prime vineyard in 2008, they have over 140 hectares. Pietro sadly died in 2012, but in the hands of Santa Rosa and the children Igino, Gian Franco and Anna Maria they remain the best producer in Lugana. The increase in the size of the estate has been matched by an increase in quality.

The quality of the wines is attributable directly to Igino Dal Cero's obsession with detail. All their fruit is picked by hand; he ensures there is no skin contact as he wants to retain delicate perfumes and enhance the supple texture. Igino has changed his mind on malolactic fermentation and now inhibits it in order to give the wine the lift he feels it benefits from. He is now convinced that ageing on lees from end of fermentation gives him greater richness on the palate as well as the wonderful flintiness on the nose.