Rumor has it that the Russians prefer to drink red ... Nevertheless, the annual growth in sales of Soave dry white wine clearly indicates a change in the gastronomic preferences of our compatriots. So what is the secret to the success of “Italians in Russia”?
Soave Facts
- It is one of the oldest appellations in Italy.
- According to statistics for 2004, the total area of DOCG and DOC is 6580 ha.
- It consists of 13 communes and almost 60% of the land is occupied by vineyards - one of the highest rates in the world.
- 80 private wineries.
- Total production - 70 million bottles of Soave wine per year.
- Garganega variety occupies 92.3% of vineyards, 45% of which are old vines.
- 411 winegrowers collaborate with private wineries.
Learn the story
The peak of popularity of “Soave” came in the second half of the XX century. In an attempt to grab as much as possible a piece of the pie called "success", the producers set the quantity of wine produced above the quality. So, in 1960, the territory of DOC Soave with an area of 1700 hectares officially expanded to 7000 hectares.
The bottles were filled with wines from vineyards growing in the lowlands near highways and highways. In order to increase production, the variety was also changed - Trebiano Toscano was used instead of the traditional Trebbiano di Soave. The result of the “pursuit of success” was the decline in the quality of Soave dry white wines .
By 1990, consumers lost interest in Soave brand products, good reviews sounded less and less ... In addition, a bright sign of that time and a new favorite, “Pinot Grigio,” appeared on the scene. In this regard, in 1992 an attempt was made to develop the production of Soave sparkling drinks and allow the use of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. But in this case, the quality of the wine was not put on the first step, so the idea failed.
Finally, from 1998 to 2001. The Soave dry wine consortium conducted a thorough study of all regions: the slope of the vineyards to the sun, the distribution of heights (topography) and the composition of the soil. As a result, 51 excellent farms were discovered, and there was hope for a revival of interest in the forgotten Garganeg variety.
Our days
Today, Soave Classico is the top of the pyramid of territorial division, which was determined at the legislative level. Vineyards located in lowlands and not in the most successful territories are used only for the production of drinks of the DOC category, that is, the simplest wines.
The Soave Superiore DOCG territory consists not only of the elevation of the classic Soave section, but also of the hills around Verona, which are located outside the Soave Classico. Part of these lands, belonging to the noble family of Sculigieri, received its own name - Soave Colli Scaligeri Superiore DOCG. According to the rules, in the production of wines of this category you can not use the Trebbiano Toscano grape variety. Sculigieri has a lower yield and a slightly higher minimum alcohol content. Wine "Soave Classico" can be produced as "Superior" in only one case: with strict adherence to the described requirements.
DOC Soave: Vineyards
They are located between the cities of Verona and Vicenza. Soave must be exclusively white, and several grape varieties are allowed for its production. The most basic is Garganega. Its share in the blend is at least 70%. The rest can be formed from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Trebbiano.
All wines produced under the DOC Soave category are characterized by a straw color with a greenish tone, velvety, and the aroma contains almond notes. On the label can be written "Classico", meaning that this drink was produced in the classical territory, which is deservedly valued higher than its "counterparts".
Sooc DOC wines can be sparkling and still, but exceptionally dry. In 2001, the new name Soave Superiore appeared here, which is assigned to drinks made from especially high-quality grapes. “Superiore” can withstand at least six months, and if it comes to the Riserva category, the term is extended to two years.
In the same territory, another drink is produced that is eligible for the DOCG category. Consider it as well.
Recioto di soave
“Rechoto di Soave” is a wine made from dried grapes, which has a golden color and a pleasant aroma with subtle notes of acacia and honey. Based on the reviews, we can safely assume that a balanced drink with a rich bouquet is not familiar with the problem of a lack of fans. It is not surprising that critics attributed Recioto di Soave to the number of "stars" of Italian winemaking, and gourmets speak of him with great love.
"Rechoto di Soave" from ancient times made exclusively on the territory of Veneto; By the way, it was the first to receive DOCG status. But an interesting fact is that the word Recioto refers to the dialect of the city of Verona.
It is maintained for at least a year; it can be either sparkling or quiet, and also have the well-known prefix "Classico". It happens that Recioto di Soave can be found in "endless bubbles", that is, in the sparkling version of Spumante.
Talk about taste
Any taster will easily find the white wine "Soave" among others for its specific properties. The organoleptic of the drink is determined thanks to the main variety of Garganega. It is not aromatic, but with acidity - it is the presence of this acidity that allows the sweet wine not to be cloying.
On each soil, the variety expresses itself differently. For example, in the western commune of Monteforte with volcanic soil, wines have a pronounced metallic note. In the east, where the limestone content is much higher, the drink is more saturated in taste.
The distinguishing feature of the soave white wines is the wide palette. Chardonnay gives notes of tropical fruits, Pinot Bianco is responsible for the aroma of yellow apples and light bitter taste, and Trebbiano complements with good minerality.
The main wines of the Soave area
- Roberto Anselmi. Soave Classico Superiore - 10 hectares of vineyards are located in the southern part at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level. Despite the fact that the soil is volcanic, the amount of limestone still prevails. According to reviews, the wine "Soave Superiore" is bright with a straw-yellow color, with the aroma of an apple and mineral notes. A light and refreshing drink with a delicate sourness leaves an almond aftertaste and goes well with seafood, cheeses and light salads.
- Soave Classico Costeggiola Guerrieri Rizzardi - sophisticated and bright aroma of the wine reveals a complex bouquet of grassy and citrus notes, with hints of apple and plum. Customer reviews noted a rich dry taste and a long soft fruity aftertaste.
- Soave Il Roccolo - wine is made from the white variety of Garganega, which has excellent aromatic properties. The drink is a pale golden color with a delicate citrus flavor is energetic acidity and a pleasant aftertaste. Reviews recommend serving it with low-fat cheese and white meat. For example, stewed rabbit meat with vegetables.
Sante Rive Soave
Dry wine "Sante Rive Soave" is made from a blend of varieties Garganega and Trebbiano grown in experimental vineyards, where organic viticulture is practiced. The lightness and freshness of the taste of the drink is provided by a special technique - the fermented wort is aged in a stainless steel tank, that is, oak barrels are not used in the production.
Behind the elegant golden-straw color of the drink is a refreshing taste with a pleasant acidity and a light dry finish with fruity notes. Buyers admit that the wine attracted their attention with a harmonious aroma, which is dominated by notes of wildflowers and ripe berries. Mistresses believe that the drink is perfect as an aperitif, and recommend serving with poultry, white meat, seafood and fish.
Massifitti bianco
Wine made from Trebbiano di Soave is a true expression of the characteristics of the oldest vines that were born and raised in the village of Fitta on basalt soil.
The wine is distinguished by a clean and brilliant straw yellow color. According to customer reviews, the drink has a creamy texture, and the taste has a pronounced acidity and minerality. The intensity of the aroma is full of notes of stone fruit, minerals and blossoming flowers of a gentle lily of the valley.
Like the previous version, "Massifitti Bianco" is ideal as an aperitif and goes well with vegetable snacks (in the form of grilled pepper, eggplant), as well as with sashimi and dishes of fish and shellfish.
Serenissima
"Serenissima" (Italian "brightest") presents a line of sparkling red and white wines from different grape varieties, where the main idea is to produce significant, and most importantly, high-quality drinks, suitable for any occasion and for different dishes - from simple to culinary masterpieces .
Giuseppe Koffele compared Soave Serenissima wine with a kiss. Tender, pleasant ... Which will be remembered forever, if true love.
On the counter label are indicated 4 grape varieties:
- Garganega is the fifth most widespread country.
- Chardonnay is a classic international variety.
- Pinot Blanc - thanks to him, drinks are light and lively.
- Trebbiano di Soave is a local and very productive variety.
According to customer reviews, Serenissima wine was light and fresh. The aroma is dominated by intense notes of apples and citrus fruits. The presence of flowers is felt in the bouquet. Mistresses recommend serving a drink cooled to 8 ° C with vegetables and fish.
Epilogue
Despite a heap of contradictions, the Soave wine (Italy) is considered the most popular alcoholic beverage in our country. Although Friuli took the "palm" on the international stage, all the DOCs in the latter produce not much more bottles than one Soave. And if one and the same territory from the same grape variety has been making wine for more than 1000 years, then, according to historians, it still retains the qualities that made it worthy of the royal table. The main thing is to carefully study the label when buying and pay more attention to the manufacturer's reputation. Indeed, according to critics, the DOCG classification cannot be attributed to either the best territories or the best wines, because based on the requirements for vinification, it simply emphasizes the style.
It follows that the DOCG category is allocated within the Classico zone, which has proved its advantage due to the presence of old vines, the height of vineyards and volcanic soil.