We recently visited Soave in the Veneto region in northern Italy, which is known for its dry whites. The appellation is subdivided into two designations: plain Soave and Soave Classico. The main way the two differ is that the former is made in nearly industrial quantities from vines in the flatlands, while the latter is made from vines grown on spectacular hillside vineyards. The difference between the two wines is tremendous.
The hillside vineyards of Soave Classico make some of the best whites in Italy. Among the few producers that make Soave Classico is Suavia Azienda Agricola. The estate is located in the heart of the Soave Classico hills, and the only way to get there is through narrow, windy roads that serpent around the hills.
Suavia makes a range of six wines, all whites made mainly from Garganega and also Trebbiano di Soave, the two main local varieties. In this video, Alessandra Tessari explains how Suavia's vineyards are managed, as well as discusses the different varieties used in the region. Enjoy!
-JGAL