Explore the elegance of Soave wine with this insightful guide from Truly Experiences. Delve into the history, characteristics, and unique qualities of this renowned Italian white wine. Learn about the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the distinct flavors that make Soave a favorite among wine enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, this guide provides valuable information on tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and top Soave wine recommendations
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How Is Soave Wine Made And What Does It Taste Like?
As the region around the village of Soave is a very old region with grapes grown in the volcanic hills near Verona since Roman times, punters will notice that two styles have emerged when tasting Soave wine.
There is a simple lean style, which is commonly made aged in stainless steel tanks, and another style that is rich with a subtle nutty taste, which usually means the wines were aged in old wooden barrels. Generally, the more aged styles will be labelled with the Superiore classification or as ‘Soave Classico.’
A dry, crisp, fruity white wine, Soave’s naturally refreshing appeal led to its phenomenal popularity following the 1960s. Since the DOC appellation, Garganega grapes must now constitute at least 70% of any modern Soave wine, accompanied by a maximum of 30% Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Soave (i.e. Verdicchio).
Italian winemakers, often still currently family-based, are adapting year by year to the demands of the current variety-led modern wine consumer such as Europe, the UK and North America.
How To Drink Soave Wine
Soave is a blanket term for a variety of types. While these wines share similar flavour notes and textures; however, depending on the category, some may be sparkling while others are sweeter than normal.
There are five types of Soave:
- Soave: This is the standard Soave style and the kind that is easiest to find in stores. These wines are uncomplicated, lean and easy to drink. They are produced in the flatlands of Soave.
- Soave Spumante: This is a sparkling Soave wine.
- Soave Colli Scalier: These wines are made in the hillier parts of Soave. They are more expensive than regular Soave.
- Soave Classico: This is the original Soave type that all the others branch off from. They are produced in the hills right near Castello di Soave. They tend to be more expensive than other varieties.
- Recioto di Soave: For those who dislike dry wines, Recioto di Soave is the sweeter variety.
Probably the most common flavour notes found in all types of Soave wines are of the zest of melon and orange. Along with these two fruits, one will taste hints of peach as well as sweeter herbs like marjoram. Soave is often described as having a salty taste alongside the fruit notes. The wine is also pretty light-bodied, making it a wonderful choice on hot days when one wants to avoid heavier wines.
Other less common flavours and aromas found in Soave wine include marmalade, fennel, lemon, and honey.
Depending on the ageing process, Soave can taste either lean or rich. The more affordable wines are often aged in stainless steel tanks. These wines have a fairly lean and no-nonsense texture and taste. The opposite is true for wines aged in oak barrels, which tend to be rich with a notable flavour of nuts.
With these kinds of converse qualities, it’s probably best to do as the Italians do when pairing Soave wine and food.
What Food Do You Pair With Soave Wine?
As Soave is a zesty white wine, it pairs beautifully with Italian seafood. Rich seafood dishes pair extremely well as the dry, lean Soave will cut through a lot of the heaviness and creamy sauces.
Clam dishes, in particular, are a classic pairing as are pasta dishes made with gnocchi. Simple summer dishes to try with easily available ingredients include Pecan Crusted Salmon or Halibut with Cilantro-Lime Butter.
Classic pairings with Soave Classico are Roast Chicken, Focaccia, Shellfish, Asparagus, Veal Scaloppini, Cannelloni, Chicken Parmigiana, Risotto, Cauliflower Soup and Pasta Primavera.
Interestingly, as is so often the case with wine, don’t be afraid to try pairing Soave with spicier cuisine such as Indian food. Think all those gorgeous fish curries from Goa and Gujarat, Soave is that versatile. Try Thai and Chinese cuisines too.
Where To Buy Soave Wine?
Your local wine merchant will be able to advise you on shopping for Soave. Or one could start with Wine Direct which is good for comparing prices. Expect to pay anything from £5-16 at the lower end to upwards of £20 for the higher end aged Soaves.
Been bitten and keen to give Soave a try? Here are five top Soave wines to look for, some of which will not mess with tight budgets.
- Fattori Soave 2020 (£11)
- Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico 2019 (£27)
- Inama Azienda Agricola Vigneti Di Foscarino Soave Classico 2018 (£20)
- Pieropan Calvarino Soave Classico 2020 (£32)
- Soave Superiore Classico 2019 (£8)
Soave is an easy wine to love and fans of this wine swear by keeping a bottle or two handy. Current high-tech, oxygen-free winemaking is being used in some vineyards, while the more familiar but sophisticated techniques like long macerations and extended yeast contact are being experimented with in others.
The result is a multifaceted choice of whites wine, from fresh, easy-to-drink wines for picnics and outdoor lunches to more complex, oak-aged Soaves that can pair with the delicate and subtle taste of shellfish or white meat.
The Italians have been making wine for centuries. If a good Soave is their everyday go-to wine with their varied and wonderful cuisine, who are we to argue?
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.