Region:
Soave DOC is located in the Veneto region of North West Italy, where most of the grapes are grown on volcanic soils in hillside vineyards east of Verona. The appellation, which only produces white wines, received DOC status in 1968.
Grapes:
Soave wines must be produced from a minimum of 70% Garganega, a white grape variety that is widely planted in the region. It is the most important variety in the wines of Soave DOC and Soave Classico DOC that exhibits delicacy in both its fruit character and acidity with a touch of almond.
Garganega is typically fermented in stainless steel and is not matured in oak. Most Soave wines should be drunk in their youth; however, the best examples can develop complexity as they age. The other grape varieties which are permitted in the region are Trebbiano di Soave (also known as Verdicchio) and Nestrano.
Classifications:
Soave DOC
These are the simplest wines of the region, intended for drinking whilst they are young. The wines are crisp, dry and refreshing with flavours of apple, pear and peach.
Soave Classico DOC
The grapes are grown in the historic centre of the region on steeper, south facing slopes. The wines have greater intensity and concentration and show melon, peach, orange zest and almond. They often possess an oily richness on the palate. The best examples can develop further complexity in the bottle with notes of honey and almond.
Recioto di Soave DOCG
These are luscious sweet white wines made from grapes which have been harvested and dried using a method called Appassimento.
Recommendations:
Pieropan is one of the best producers in the Soave region. The estate covers 35 hectares of vineyards, all of which are situated on the stony hills of Soave Classico in the north-east corner of Italy. The Pieropan family have been producing wines in Soave since the 1860`s and work from three organically farmed vineyards today. They were the first producer to bottle a wine with the name Soave on the label in the early 1930s.
Garganega 85% Trebbiano di Soave 15%. Full of bright green fruit and vibrant citrus flavours, this is an excellent benchmark for young, fresh Soave. Rounded, ripe fruit is perfectly balanced almost aromatic nose with citrus and stone fruits. Elegant in style with surprising length and purity.
Pieropan Soave Classico ‘La Rocca’, 2021
Garganega 100%. Produced from the single vineyard of ‘La Rocca’ on limestone soils. This is a rich, aromatic oak-aged wine which is one of the finest examples of Soave on the market. Enticing aromas of almond and white lilies and brimming with ripe pear and exotic fruit notes. Exceptionally well balanced with hints of spice and a mineral backbone.
Food pairings
Soave pairs perfectly with rich flavoursome Italian Seafood dishes like risottos, clam Vongole or prawn linguini.
