Summary
Pilandro is a family estate in the heart of Lugana, located near San Martino della Battaglia between Desenzano and Sirmione on Lake Garda's southern shore. Since 1980 the Lavelli family has run a historic farmhouse here with vineyards that they have expanded from around seven hectares at the start to about 16 hectares today. At the centre is the local grape Turbiana, from which Pilandro makes several styles of Lugana: from the fresh, youthful entry wine via the acclaimed Terecrèa selection to the oak-aged Arilica and the San Pietro Riserva. The range is rounded out by reds, sparkling wines and Verdicchio from the Marche.
History
The history of the site is far older than the winery itself. The Domus Pilandro, a rural manor house in San Martino della Battaglia, was built between the late 15th and early 16th centuries – in an area where wine has been part of daily life for centuries. San Martino is also known as the site of the 1859 battle, still commemorated today by a tower visible from far away.
In 1980 the Lavelli family bought the historic property together with around seven hectares of vineyards, carrying on the farm's long winemaking tradition. The family originally comes from Peschiera del Garda, whose ancient name, Arilica, now lends its name to one of their most important wines. Over the decades the vineyard area in Lugana grew to about 16 hectares.
Today Pietro Lavelli embodies the third generation of the winegrowing family. The Lavellis make a point of keeping the whole journey – from vineyard through vinification to bottling – in their own hands. The house Riserva, which bears his name, is dedicated to him.
Location & Terroir
Lugana stretches across the flat to gently rolling land on Lake Garda's southern shore, straddling the border between Lombardy and Veneto. Pilandro lies in the Lombard part, within the municipality of Desenzano del Garda, at the foot of the morainic hills left behind by Ice Age glaciers.
The vineyards sit at roughly 60 to 80 metres above sea level, facing south to south-east. The soil is calcareous and rich in clay – typical of Lugana and decisive for the character of the wines: the clay stores water and gives the wines body and structure, while the limestone adds tension. Lake Garda's large body of water evens out the climate, softens temperature peaks and brings constant, gentle breezes into the rows.
Style & Philosophy
Pilandro's signature is precise, fresh Lugana. The grapes are pressed gently in an oxygen-free environment and the must ferments at controlled temperatures in stainless steel so that Turbiana's intense aromas and clear fruit are preserved. The family itself speaks of a respectful approach to the grape that should make the Lake Garda origin tangible in the glass.
For the more ambitious wines Pilandro goes further: late harvesting, selected plots with old vines and ageing in wooden barrels bring more depth, creaminess and ageing potential. Typical of the house wines are notes of citrus, white blossom and yellow fruit, a saline freshness and the finish of slightly bitter almond that is characteristic of Turbiana.
Notable vineyards & wines
The range revolves around Turbiana but reaches well beyond it. Among the most important wines are:
- Lugana DOC – the first Lugana of each vintage from 100 % Turbiana, fermented in steel, linear and youthfully fresh
- Terecrèa – the selection and pride of the house, awarded many times
- Arilica – a powerful, barrel-aged Lugana named after the ancient name of Peschiera del Garda
- San Pietro Riserva – late-harvested Turbiana from the estate's oldest vines, dedicated to Pietro Lavelli
- Oro and Santa Martina – traditional-method sparkling wines, including a Brut Rosé
- Bardolino DOC, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – the house reds
- Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – from the family's vineyards in the Marche
Grappas, a honey liqueur and olive oil complete the offering. In the farm shop and tasting room you can try the wines directly at the estate.
Awards
Pilandro regularly collects awards at competitions and in wine guides. The Terecrèa stands out in particular: the 2022 vintage received 96 points from Luca Maroni and was listed there among Italy's best white wines; other vintages won gold at Mundus Vini and at the national wine competition in Pramaggiore. Arilica and the San Pietro Riserva have also been honoured several times, for instance with the Premio Qualità Italia, entries in Vinibuoni d'Italia (Top 300) and awards from The Winehunter. For an estate of this size that is a remarkable record – and proof that Lugana has far more to offer than its big names.
