In the glass
Aroma: ripe peach, hazelnut, white flowers, brioche, chalk mineral
Palate: rich stone fruit, cream texture, oak-integrated vanilla, long mineral persistence
Molceo is among the most complex white wines produced in the Lugana DOC. Extended lees contact in both oak and steel develops remarkable textural richness and autolytic complexity in the Turbiana grape. One of the first producers to prove that Lugana could produce serious age-worthy whites.
What it pairs with
-
Seared scallops in lemon butter cream
The wine's rich cream and stone-fruit character mirrors and elevates the buttery scallop sauce. -
Risotto ai gamberetti e champagne
Rich, complex Riserva demands an equally substantial risotto with shellfish. -
Poached turbot with hollandaise
Butterscotch and cream notes of the Riserva match hollandaise and the delicate turbot.
How to serve Ottella Molceo Lugana Riserva DOC
Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass , the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Seared scallops in lemon butter cream, Risotto ai gamberetti e champagne, Poached turbot with hollandaise. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Molceo is a specific parcel of heavy clay-limestone at the heart of the Ottella estate, identified for its ability to produce Turbiana of exceptional concentration. The Riserva format requires at least 24 months ageing before release; Ottella's version typically ages over a year on lees, pioneering the category of serious long-lived Lugana. Molceo demonstrated that Turbiana could rival international white Burgundy in complexity.
- 1998 — Ottella releases first Molceo Lugana Riserva; extended lees ageing demonstrates category potential.
Facts
- Producer
- Ottella
- Grapes
- Turbiana
- Classification
- Lugana Riserva DOC
- Oak
- Partial fermentation in large oak; 12+ months on lees in barrel and stainless steel
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 22-32 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1998
Frequently asked about Ottella Molceo Lugana Riserva DOC
What does Ottella Molceo Lugana Riserva DOC taste like?
On the nose, ripe peach, hazelnut, white flowers, brioche, chalk mineral. On the palate, rich stone fruit, cream texture, oak-integrated vanilla, long mineral persistence. Structurally full-bodied, high acidity with a very long and complex finish. Molceo is among the most complex white wines produced in the Lugana DOC. Extended lees contact in both oak and steel develops remarkable textural richness and autolytic complexity in the Turbiana grape. One of the first producers to prove that Lugana could produce serious age-worthy whites.
When should I drink Ottella Molceo Lugana Riserva DOC?
Drink 5-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Ottella Molceo Lugana Riserva DOC?
Seared scallops in lemon butter cream is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Risotto ai gamberetti e champagne and Poached turbot with hollandaise. The wine's rich cream and stone-fruit character mirrors and elevates the buttery scallop sauce.
What grapes are in Ottella Molceo Lugana Riserva DOC?
The blend is Turbiana. The wine is classified as Lugana Riserva DOC.