The Quality pyramid

For a denomination like Soave, indissolubly linked to its main grape variety (Garganega) and to its terroir, the present is definitely the right time to act - with greater steadfastness and determination – upon all the information that has been gleaned from the research sector (e.g. on zoning and varietal selection).

The aim must be to improve, in a conspicuous and rapid manner, the actual quality of the zone’s wines, by modifying the vineyards and winemaking projects, and by upgrading every possible aspect of this special production area.
All of the above measures have been accompanied by a thorough and substantial revision of the production regulations.

We have, then, reorganized the denomination completely from a qualitative point of view, by identifying vineyards that are of particular worth due to their position and relief, and their characteristics as regards climate and soil.
We have thus drawn up a quality pyramid which is designed to give new and concrete production goals to the growers, encouraging them to improve their vineyard management skills to the utmost, whilst at the same time simplifying communication with regard to the consumer.

“Good everyday wines, fine wines from the hillsides, and outstanding wines for bottling”: these are the various commercial categories listed for the products of Soave in a report from 1900 on the occasion of an international exhibition in Verona.

This is a natural and logical pyramid of quality that the new rules for Soave are very much intended to reiterate.
So, at the top of the pyramid, we have the Soave Superiore D.O.C.G., a true synthesis of selection and strict production methods, designed to be the utmost expression of quality.
Then, just below, there is Soave from hillside sites, both in the Classico version (if obtained from grapes grown in the historic production area) and that from the Colli Scaligeri.
At the base of the pyramid we have Soave D.O.C., which stands out for its excellent price-quality ratio.