At one point in time the Soave wine territory faced overproduction with an expanded territory that weakened the reputation with a flood of lower quality to mediocre wines produced and introduced to the market. Thankfully, times have changed, and the wines of Soave have elevated. Let today’s blog on Soave introduce you to the wines of this region that will reward you in your glass for your exploration.
The Soave wine territory
Set in the hills and valleys of the Lessini Mountains, northeast of Verona, is the Soave wine appellation. Named after the medieval town, Soave, that is surrounded by walls and crowned with a castle on the hillside. The Classico zone, which is the historical part of the territory set between the town of Soave ad Monteforte d’Alpone, is home to some of the classic, historic wines of the region with the truest expression of these wines that show complexity and structure with age. Per the Consorzio, the Soave wine region “has the highest viticulture density in Italy with about 3,000 small estates each with about 2 hectares”.
Soave wines were officially recognized in 1931 as ”one of the first wines to be declared a fine Italian wine by royal decree” and was officially delimited according to the Consorzio's site.
Castello Scaligero
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| hills of Soave Classico |
The Soave DOC was created in 1968 and requires a minimum of 70% Garganega and a 30% maximum usage of Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay. Garganega is one of the oldest grapes in Italy. It’s a late ripening grape that finds its best expression in Soave in the territory from Lake Garda to the Colli Euganei. Typical characteristics are ripe stone fruit, citrus, apple, white flowers and almond. The addition of Trebbiano adds freshness and delicate floral notes. It is a low yielding grape that was slowly abandoned in favor of Garganega, but is making its comeback. The Chardonnay adds softness to the blend if used.
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| Garganega grapes |
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| Trebbiano di Soave grapes |
The soils of Soave
The soils of Soave are made up of tufaceous volcanic soil and a basalt mix with limestone.Those in the limestone soils tend to be young, fresh and floral with a subtle almond note. They are enjoyed best on their own, as an aperitif or with lighter fare. Those of the Classico zone and Superiore versions grown in the volcanic soil show mineral components and are more complex and structured that pair well with flavorful dishes of chicken and seafood.
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| basalt, volcanic soils of Soave |
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| limestone soils of Soave |
The Soave wine
The 2022 Villa Molino Soave Classico DOC is made from 90% Garganega and 10% Trebbiano di Soave. I couldn't find a technical sheet on this wine, but by the taste of it I'm assuming only stainless steel was used. The color was straw colored. Light to medium-bodied in the glass, soft with a round mouthfeel with bright tropical fruit. It was easy drinking with a touch of salinity on the finish. ABV 12%, $6 (Trader Joes)
Even though today we highlighted the Soave DOC wines, there are also Soave Superiore DOCG and Recioto di Soave DOCG wines to seek out that are high quality wines with stricter regulations.
I’ve featured a number of respected producers in the past on my blog so feel free to check them out.
Cin cin!
You can find many Soave wines to try on Wine.com to try. I may receive compensation for any wines purchased through the affiliate link in support of Vino Travels.
Pictures copyright of Consorzio Tutela Vini Soave