When you think of white wine from Italy, you probably automatically think Pinot Grigio because has been one of the top whites imported to the U.S. market. Italian Pinot Grigio isn’t my favorite–it leaves me feeling a little flat. Pinot Grigio is often made from grapes picked before their ultimate ripeness to preserve freshness and, therefore, doesn’t have much character. Soave, on the other hand, delivers on both freshness and flavor. The wine has a well-rounded palate, balanced acidity and minerality, and a lush finish. It’s called “soft” in Italian. The wine is made in the Veneto region of Italy and contains a minimum of 70% Garganega grape with Trebbiano di Soave (Verdicchio and Nestrano), Pinot Bianco or Chardonnay blended in. Consider one of these when looking for a new white wine. Jimmy’s Food Store carries many of these and more. Some selections were sent for editorial consideration.
Jump for tasting notes:
Inama Soave Clasicco is probably my favorite of the Soave wines I have tried. 100% Garganega filled with nutty almond, fresh white flowers, apricot and lemon balm with touches of clean minerality.
Bertani Sereole Soave is made from 100% Garganega grapes grown in volcanic soils, aged 6 months in oak and 3 months in the bottle, producing a wine filled with fresh wild flowers and stone fruit on the open, followed by tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and banana.
Suavia Soave Classico blends 95% Garganega with 5% Trebbiano di Soave which is aged 4 months in stainless steel to keep the wine light, fresh and fruit filled. Green apple, peach and ripe pear fill the palate with each sip layered with earthy mineral notes.
Bolla has been one of the largest producers of wine in Italy for over 125 years, and this one displays the delicate touch the winery has had with their wines since they started. Soave DOC opens with aromas of honey suckle, melon, crisp apple and honey followed by flavors of ripe pear, honeydew and citrus. This is a wine meant to be enjoyed young, displaying bright, fresh flavors.
