Soave: an In-Depth Wine Profile

What is Soave Wine?

Soave wine is a renowned Italian white wine originating from the Veneto region, specifically around the medieval village of Soave, located east of Verona. The primary grape used in Soave wine is the Garganega grape, which must constitute at least 70% of the blend. This grape is renowned for its thick skin and late ripening, which contribute to the wine's characteristic minerality and acidity. Other permitted grapes include Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, and, in smaller amounts, Pinot Blanc and other local varieties.

Soave wines are typically dry and crisp with a fruity profile that includes notes of citrus, apple, white peach and pear. They range from light and refreshing to more complex and full-bodied, especially those aged in oak barrels or produced from older vines. The finest Soave wines originate from hillside vineyards with volcanic or calcareous soils, where the unique soil composition imparts additional depth and longevity to the wine.

Soave producers are required to register their vineyards with the Consorzio in advance to ensure the quality and authenticity of their wines.

Classification of Soave Wines:

Soave wines are classified into several categories based on the production area and quality standards, primarily using the Garganega grape:

• Soave DOC: This is the basic Soave classification, encompassing wines produced from vineyards located on the valley floors of the Soave area. These wines are generally light, simple, and more affordable. One of the most common styles of this denomination is lean Soave.
• Soave Classico DOC: These wines are produced in the Soave Classico zone, which encompasses the hills around the village of Soave. Soave Classico wines are renowned for their exceptional quality, complexity, and traditional winemaking methods. A notable example of this category is Pieropan Soave Classico, which is renowned for its complexity and traditional winemaking methods.
• Soave Superiore DOCG: These wines represent the highest quality and are sourced from the best hillside vineyards, comprising at least 70% Garganega, with the remainder of the blend consisting of grapes like Chardonnay. Historically, Pinot Bianco was one of the permitted grapes for this denomination, but it was removed in the past decade. These wines must meet stricter production standards and lower yields. These wines often exhibit greater complexity and aging potential.
• Soave Colli Scaligeri DOC: This designation applies to wines crafted with grapes grown on hillside vineyards, outside the Classico zone but still within the Soave production area. These wines are often high quality and reflect the unique terroir of the hilly regions.
• Recioto di Soave DOCG: Recioto di Soave is known for its sweet wine made from dried Garganega grapes. It is known for its rich sweetness and complexity. This wine can be still or sparkling in style.
• Vigna: Some Soave producers focus on single-vineyard wines, registering their vineyards with the Consorzio and using the term ‘Vigna' on the label to highlight the specific vineyard area and the producer's name.

Winemaking Process for Soave Wines

Soave wines, renowned for their crisp acidity and minerality, are crafted through a traditional yet refined winemaking process. The grapes are typically harvested by hand at the perfect ripening point, often in the second half of September, to ensure optimal quality and flavour preservation. Following harvest, the grapes are destemmed and softly pressed to extract the must, which is then clarified through static decantation. Fermentation occurs in controlled conditions, typically in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of around 16°c, to preserve the wine's freshness and fruitiness. After fermentation, the wine is refined, cold stabilized, filtered, and bottled, ready to showcase its characteristic minerality and sapidity.

Key Steps in Soave Winemaking:

• Harvesting: Hand-picked grapes, usually in late September.
• Pressing: Soft pressing to extract the must.
• Fermentation: Controlled-temperature fermentation, often conducted in stainless steel tanks.
• Refining: Cold stabilization and filtration before bottling.
• Aging: Some producers utilize old oak vats, while others opt for stainless steel to achieve a crisper style.

Sensory Profile of Soave Wine

Soave wine is not renowned for its intense flavours. Instead, it is known for its crisp and refreshing qualities, as well as a floral bouquet that offers a multifaceted sensory experience. Soave wine typically has a light straw-yellow colour, sometimes with greenish hues. Its body can range from light to medium, contributing to its versatility and appeal.

Visual Aspect and Body

Soave wine typically has a light straw-yellow colour, sometimes with greenish hues. Its body can range from light to medium, contributing to its versatility and appeal.

Aromatic Notes

The aromatic profile of Soave wine is delicate yet complex, offering an intricate fruit and floral bouquet of notes:

Primary Aroma Notes:

Picture a serene spring morning in an Italian orchard, the air fresh with the promise of the day. Soave wines greet you first with the crisp and invigorating scents of green apples, white peaches, and a gentle hint of citrus fruits, lemon or orange zest. These are like the first notes of a symphony, light and uplifting, setting the stage for the deeper melodies to follow.

Secondary Aroma Notes:

As the wine breathes, it begins to whisper tales of its youth spent in nurturing casks. Imagine a kitchen where almond cookies are baking and there's a vase of fresh wildflowers on the windowsill. The secondary aromas of Soave introduce a delicate complexity with hints of almond, a touch of creamy yeast, and subtle floral undertones of white flowers (acacia, lily of the valley) with herbal hints (lemon balm, star anise)— like a soft, comforting melody that enriches the initial fruitiness without overwhelming it.

Tertiary Aroma Notes:

In its most mature form, Soave offers a profound narrative depth, much like an ancient stone chapel that has witnessed centuries of whispered secrets. Here, the scents evolve into more earthy and mineral qualities, reminiscent of flint or wet stones after a refreshing rain, accompanied by a faint echo of dried fruit, dried herbs, and honey. These aromas are like the deep, resonant chords that linger long after the music has stopped, leaving a memory that compels one to pause and reflect.

Together, these layers of aromas in Soave wines weave a tapestry as rich and detailed as the region's history itself, inviting you to explore not just a glass of wine but a vibrant, sensory story.

Taste Notes of Soave

On the palate, Soave is renowned for its balanced acidity, minerality, and subtle mineral undertones, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing wine. The most common flavours you will find in Soave wines are:

Primary Taste Notes:

Step into the first chapter, where the crisp brightness of youth dances on your palate. Picture biting into a perfectly ripe pear, white peach or a slice of green apple under the warm Italian sun. The initial taste of Soave is refreshing, marked by vibrant acidity with notes of citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and a clean, mineral-driven sharpness that awakens the senses like the brisk morning air in a lush, flowering orchard.

Secondary Taste Notes:

As the story progresses, we delve deeper, uncovering layers that speak of the wine's nurturing in oak or steel. Here, imagine the soft, soothing texture of honey drizzled over fresh bread. This middle note brings a creamy richness that gently cloaks the tongue, offering flavours of almond blossoms and a hint of baking spices. It's akin to the comforting warmth of a well-loved quilt, providing depth and a smooth transition from the lively introduction to the more contemplative ending.

Tertiary Taste Notes:

In its final chapters, Soave reveals its aged wisdom through subtler, more mature flavours. Think of a quiet autumn day, where leaves rustle underfoot and the air carries a hint of smoke. The wine's mature taste might include nuances of dried fruit, especially dried apricot, a touch of hazelnut, and the lingering minerality of wet stone. These flavours are like whispers of old stories told by the fireplace, offering complexity and a satisfying, long-lasting finish that invites reflection and appreciation.

The finish of Soave wines is usually clean and long, with a lingering freshness that invites another sip. The minerality and acidity of Soave, influenced by the region's volcanic and calcareous soils, provide a distinct crispness that defines its character.