VINTAGES
VINTAGES
Many assume that white wines should be consumed close to the vintage, but Soave wines can age beautifully. The garganega grape is particularly suited to making wines that can become particularly expressive well beyond a decade. The volcanic soil found in Soave produces wines with higher acidity that is further accentuated in cooler growing seasons. If well managed, a cool vintage can produce wines with a complexity that expresses the nuances of terroir. Hotter growing seasons bring wines that show more fruit and fullness and are usually ready to drink closer to the vintage. On average, Soave wines begin to best express aroma and flavor after two years in the bottle. The Consorzio has been keeping detailed records of vintages since 1998. Not many bottles remain from 20 years ago, which is unfortunate, because there are a number of vintages that are still vibrant and fresh.
Our vintage guide can help you navigate the wine that suits you best, and the cellaring potential.
June 2019
2018
2018 vintage has been very peculiar, with tempe- ratures slightly above the average.
2017
The 2017 vintage can be described as one of the most complex and difficult to manage in at least 30 years.
October 2018
2016
Winter 2015/2016 had a low rainfall rate, except of February.
2015
The winter of 2014/2015, with its mild temperatures, did not allow the vines to rest completely, so that the vines were a bit sluggish in starting their new vegetative cycle in the spring.
2014
As elsewhere in parts of Italy, Soave's 2014 vintage will be remembered as one of the most difficult, for its abnormal climatic conditions.
2013
The seasonal pattern in 2013 was marked by a rather dry winter, not particularly cold but prolonged, that was followed by a spring of exceptional rainfall and with temperatures well below average.
2012
The seasonal pattern was characterized by a dry, very cold, and prolonged winter which was followed by a cool and very rainy spring, with temperatures slightly below the average.
2011
After a rainy and prolonged winter, there was an early and warm spring with temperatures above the seasonal average.
2010
Balance was the key word that characterized the 2010 harvest for the grapes of Soave.
2009
The 2009 harvest season was characterized by three distinct phases.
2008
The 2008 season will be remembered as one of the most regular among the few previous years, with temperatures in line with the average for the period and with a moderate and regular rainfall pattern.
2007
After a mild and dry winter (the warmest in the last fifty years), the spring was hot, with temperatures above the seasonal average, and dry.
2006
After a difficult start to the 2006 season for the Garganega was among the best in recent years.
2005
After a winter with temperatures and precipitations higher than the average of recent years, the spring saw a lack of rainfall although the precipitations were regularly distributed in time.
2004
The low temperatures of the 2004 season and the continuous rainfall in the spring delayed initially the vegetative development of the Garganega.
2003
In the season 2003 was recorded, as in the previous few years, an early begin of all the vegetative stages (8/10 days in advance).
2002
The absence of precipitations that accompanied most of the winter season created problems of drought in some areas.
2001
The year 2001 recorded a significant early start in all vegetative stages for the Soave.
2000
High temperatures and heavy rains in April led to a rapid development of the vines, while more temperate climate and the absence of significant rains in May and June resulted in a good early start of the season.
1999
The budding of the vines was anticipated and very smooth; later the flowering and fruit-set stages took place in good conditions premising an abundant vintage.
1998
The 1998 season saw a reduction in production by about 15% compared to the productive potential of the denomination.