Ethica Wines, Miami, Fla., adds Cà dei Frati to its USA portfolio as a new wine producer, bringing to the U.S. tables the new crisp Italian wine from Lugana.
Family-owned by the Dal Cero family since 1939, Cà dei Frati has been the leading producer of Lugana wines and a top seller in Italy, Germany, the UK and is set for major success in the US.
The Dal Cero family has transformed their Cà dei Frati – ‘house of friars’ – property into a modern Italian estate over the past two decades. They have formed an ideal vineyard for their popular Lugana wines that rival US favorites like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, with its low sulfites and smooth notes.
The 200-hectare Cà dei Frati property is in Sirmione, between the southern shores of Lake Garda in Lombardy. It is the largest lake in Italy and is known for its sophisticated elegant lifestyle, and the Dolomite mountains. The grapes benefit from the moderate climate combination, which also provides quality limestone soil essential for the growth of the 10-35-year-old vines.
The Cà dei Frati US portfolio features five wines: their cornerstone I Frati Lugana DOC, a flagship wine with a perfume of white flowers, peaches and ripe lemons and an iconic widely recognizable bottle design; Brolettino Lugana DOC, crafted from the great native grape Turbiana; Rosa Dei Frati Riviera del Garda Classico Doc, a delicate rosé with tantalizing aromas and a refreshing, thirst-quenching character; Ronchedone Vino Rosso whose savory character is balanced with round tannins and a freshness on the finish which is typical of the area, and Pietro Dal Cero Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG with its fantastic body and acidity, remarkable mineral elegance, and prominent yet supple tannins
As part of the launch in the US market, Cà dei Frati will collaborate with Eataly, the biggest retailer of premium Italian products, in October three pop-up bars in their Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles locations will open.
For this special occasion, a tailor-made “aperitivo” will feature the five Cà dei Frati wines on the menu – highlighting the seal-emblazoned wine bottles – paired with a carefully selected assortment of cheeses and salami like Grana Padano DOP, Provolone Valpadano, Piave Stravecchio and Taleggio, mortadella, and bresaola.
“We are delighted to have Cà dei Frati as part of the Ethica Wines portfolio. The amazing strong family history, impeccable grapes, outstanding wines and the attention to detail, will ensure amazing success of the line-up in the US,” says Francesco Ganz, CEO of Ethica Wines. “The I Frati Lugana DOC and Brolettino Lugana DOC have the potential to become a new favorite white wine of US consumers, bringing the fruity and citrusy notes of a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio but with a strong, remarkable profile that you will immediately love.”
Since 1967, a controlled origin designation (DOC) has existed for Lugana, in which Pietro Dal Cero played a fundamental role when drawing up the initial regulations; it lays down that at least 90% of the product must come from the Turbiana grapes and so the blend only makes up 10% (usually, Sauvignon or Chardonnay is added), although Cà dei Frati uses 100% Turbiana. These quality standards, in combination with the microclimate on the shores of Lake Garda, ensure that Cà dei Frati Lugana wines are unique, excellent quality, and sure to captivate the US market.