THE GRAPES
THE GRAPES
Most Soave wines are produced with 100% Garganega. The rules require the wines be produced with at least a 70% minimum of Garganega to qualify for labelling as a Soave DOC or DOCG wine. The remaining 30% is restricted to the use of another native variety, Trebbiano di Soave. The Soave Doc is an exception, and allow Chardonnay grapes within the 30% blend. Finally, a very small fraction of the wine, five percent of the thirty percent, may contain other white non-aromatic varieties typically produced in the province of Verona.
GARGANEGA
Garganega has been grown in the hills of Soave for at least a millennium, making it one of Italy’s oldest varieties. Vineyards extend from Lake Garda to the Colli Euganei, but the grape finds its true finesse and best expression in Soave.
Expect delicate flavours and aromas. These change considerably depending on soil type and winemaking techniques. A Soave coming from basaltic soil can be steely and mineral, while a Soave hailing from limestone will display more white flower, apricot, sweet apple and citrus notes. A common denominator of Soave wines is the slightly bitter-almond finish.
The Garganega vine provides generous yields, forming large, cylindrical bunches with wide wings that turn a translucent golden to amber colour at harvest. The loosely-packed bunches are robust and well-suited for the air drying used to make the sweet Recioto di Soave. When yields are controlled the grape can produce complex wines capable of ageing an average of a decade, often much longer.
2001: 3 year study of terroir produced the first aroma map of Soave wines produced from diverse soils. Violet, cherry, banana, spice, sambuco, green apple, hay, acacia, flowers, almonds, ripe fruit and cinnamon are the main aromas identified.
2017: Climate change: Soave has detailed meteorological data and harvest reports dating back over 20 years. The Consorzio continues to collaborate with scientists regarding the historic value of local agricultural systems which are proving to be valid ways to adapt to climate change.
Soave has approximately 6,500 hectares planted with vine by nearly 3.000 vine growers. The denomination has one of the strongest and unique systems of cooperation in Italy. So much so, that the agricultural heritage of Soave was recognized by the United Nations.
2001: 3 year study of terroir produced the first aroma map of Soave wines produced from diverse soils. Violet, cherry, banana, spice, sambuco, green apple, hay, acacia, flowers, almonds, ripe fruit and cinnamon are the main aromas identified.
2017: Climate change: Soave has detailed meteorological data and harvest reports dating back over 20 years. The Consorzio continues to collaborate with scientists regarding the historic value of local agricultural systems which are proving to be valid ways to adapt to climate change.
Soave has approximately 6,500 hectares planted with vine by nearly 3.000 vine growers
TREBBIANO DI SOAVE
Trebbiano di Soave is a delicate low yielding variety, that was slowly abandoned in favour of the more vigorous garganega. Today, Trebbiano di Soave is making a bit of a comeback although it still represents only a small percentage of the planted vineyards in the Soave Classico. Producers have conserved old vineyards or replanted, and a few are making interesting wines with only Trebbiano di Soave.
Bunches of Trebbiano di Soave are small and tight, and ripen earlier than Garganega, which is harvested well into October. High levels of malic acid and the neutrality of the grape make it a perfect blending grape in Soave wines, adding freshness and delicate floral notes.
In 2019, Soave began the Soilution project, which will study waterflow patterns in hillside vineyards to help farmers protect their vineyards from erosion and landslides with cost-effective methods.
In 2019, Soave began the Soilution project, which will study waterflow patterns in hillside vineyards to help farmers protect their vineyards from erosion and landslides with cost-effective methods.
In 2018, Soave became a site within the FAO program, Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).