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EDITORIAL
FRANÇOIS GILBERT - EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
THE TIMELESS CHARM OF SOAVE
The first thing that strikes you about Soave – even
before the quality of the wine – is its amazing landscape
of rolling hills studded with hidden, extinct craters
and volcanic soils interspersed with pockets of limestone,
alluvium, sand and basalt. Virtually every hill within the
appellation boasts its own unique character. The type of
soil also plays a pivotal role in the aromatic profile of the
wines. Those grown on volcanic soils tend to recall citrus
fruits, honey, peach and melon with a more saline touch,
whilst those stemming from limestone deposits are more
low-key but gain greater finesse.
Another significant factor is the region’s primary grape
variety, Garganega. It may not stand out for its intensity,
but it is evidently suited to the region and imbues
the wines with excellent persistence and a longevity
that ensures the finest examples of Soave will keep for
over ten years. It is a late-ripening grape variety and
offers up good acidity that lends excellent balance to the
wine. It can be paired with Trebbiano di Soave, and also
Chardonnay.
A second appellation, Soave Classico, illustrates the
extraordinary distinctiveness of the volcanic area
located between Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone. It
produces more velvety wines with delicate scents of
almond and lemon. And lastly, a few years ago, Soave
Superiore DOCG was born. It is matured for at least
five months, sometimes spends time in oak and has the
ability to turn up the volume on its delicious tropical
fruit aromas, but also its minerality, and to display both
roundness and intensity.
This variety has fully established Soave’s pedigree, crystallised
by the classic parameters found in all the great
wines of the world – terroir, climate and grape varieties.
4 SUMMER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE