La Meridiana is a fourth generation family farm, currently run by cousins Fabio and Roberto, producing wine and olive oil. The winery is located in the quiet commune of Puegnano, but this wine comes from the family’s four hectares of organically farmed turbiana in Desenzano, just along the southern edge of Lake Garda. It’s an ideal situation for grape cultivation with breezes coming off Italy’s largest lake to keep vines cool in the summer, while also providing a cushion against spring frosts. Turbiana is the traditional name for the local grape which has been the subject of lots of back and forth speculations about it’s origin. Long considered to be in the trebbiano family, then discovered to actually be closer to verdicchio, the latest research shows turbiana is distinct enough to go by its own name and the locals are happy to reclaim it. An expressive white wine that’s bright, fresh and textural, perfect as an aperitif with a snack of crusty bread and soft cheese or with a light pasta tossed with a tin of smoked trout, fresh herbs, and lemon. Open this one on a sunny afternoon, close your eyes and imagine that Lake Garda breeze.