As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines, including Soave. It is true that Soave has developed a reputation for being a cheap wine, but I believe this is an unfair generalization. While there are certainly inexpensive and uninspiring Soaves on the market, there are also some truly excellent options available.
Soave is a white wine made from the Garganega grape, which is native to the Veneto region of Italy. The wine is known for its crisp acidity, vibrant fruit flavors, and delicate floral notes. It can range in style from light and refreshing to richer and more complex, depending on the winemaking techniques employed.
Unfortunately, in recent years, there has been an influx of mass-produced, low-quality Soave that has tarnished the reputation of the wine. These wines are often made from high-yielding vineyards, using mechanized harvesting and industrial winemaking techniques. As a result, they lack the complexity and depth of flavor that can be found in more carefully crafted Soaves.
However, if you are willing to do a bit of careful selection, there are some real gems to be found. Look for Soaves from smaller, family-owned wineries that prioritize quality over quantity. These producers often have lower yields, hand-harvest their grapes, and use traditional winemaking methods. The result is a wine that truly showcases the unique characteristics of the Garganega grape and the terroir of the Soave region.
One of my personal favorite Soaves is from a small, boutique winery called Pieropan. Their Soave Classico is a prime example of what this wine can be when made with care and attention to detail. It has a beautiful balance of citrus and stone fruit flavors, with a touch of minerality and a long, elegant finish. It is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes, from seafood to poultry.
Another noteworthy producer is Inama, whose Soave Classico offers a more intense and complex expression of the wine. This particular Soave is aged in oak barrels, which adds layers of richness and depth to the wine. It has a beautiful golden color, with aromas of ripe pear, honey, and toasted almonds. On the palate, it is full-bodied and creamy, with a long, lingering finish.
While there are certainly cheap and uninteresting Soaves on the market, it is unfair to categorize the entire region based on these wines. With a bit of careful selection, there are some truly outstanding Soaves available that showcase the true potential of the Garganega grape. So, if you are willing to explore and seek out the best producers, you can discover the true beauty and quality that Soave has to offer.