Sometimes when I write these blogs I remind myself how many great native grapes are grown in Italy, hence why it can be so challenging when someone asks what’s your favorite Italian grape. Why pick just one? It’s been some time since I covered the Soave wines of the Veneto and have been fortunate to try many from this region through the years. The Soave I’m sharing today is from Monte Tondo. Let’s learn more about this great white wine of the Veneto.
The Territory – Soave
Soave, pronounced so-ah-vay, is located in the Veneto region set in the eastern hills in the province of Verona. This area was granted the DOC designation in 1968. These wines of the Soave DOC are made of at least 70% of the Garganega grape with an allowance of up to 30% of Trebbiano di Soave or Chardonnay. There is also an allowance of 5% of non-aromatic white grapes of the area that can make up part of that 30%. According to the Consorzio of Soave wines Garganega is “straw yellow with greenish hues. Aroma is intense and delicate. It’s medium bodied, well balanced with slightly bitter almond finish”. Garganega also produces high yields and is part of the reason that much of the Trebbiano di Soave were replaced in favor of Garganega, but that has slowly changed. Trebbiano di Soave adds freshness and delicate floral aromas.
Garganega grapes sourced from Consorzio Tutela Vini Soave
There are the wines of the Soave DOC and those of Soave Classico
This Article was originally published on Vino Travels Italy
