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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.