Day 24 | Soave Superiore DOCG
Volcanic Whites
East of Verona, terraced slopes of basalt and limestone give rise to Soave Superiore DOCG. Here you find a Garganega-driven white that combines zesty citrus, white peach, saline minerality, and a bitter‑almond finish. Higher elevations (up to 500 m) and strict yield limits separate Soave Superiore from the broader DOC, delivering wines with sharper definition, greater texture, and longer cellar life.
Defining Traits of Soave Superiore
Garganega at its Peak - Minimum 70 % Garganega (often 100 %) that shows floral and citrus aromas with the unmistakable wet‑stone intensity.
Volcanic & Limestone Mix - Basalt boosts mineral notes, while limestone adds finesse and length.
Textural Maturation - Six months minimum aging (often on lees) lends creamy mid‑palate without sacrificing drive.
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Terroir & Winemaking Deep Dive
The Classico heart - Monte Foscarino and Monte Roncà ridges - features dark basalt that radiates warmth by day and cools rapidly at night, retaining acidity. Garganega’s thick skins resist botrytis during late harvest, allowing partial sun‑drying for extra concentration. Ferments run cool in stainless or concrete. Many estates keep wines sur lie for 6–12 months, occasionally in large acacia casks, to layer chamomile, honey, and smoky flint over grapefruit and peach. The DOCG mandates 15 % lower yields than the DOC and stricter extract/acidity parameters, underscoring its premium intent.
Producers to Visit
Pieropan – La Rocca shows ripe yellow stone fruit, chamomile, and a volcanic, nutty spine.
Gini – Contrada Salvarenza vecchie vigne layers lemon curd, wet stone, and long, savory almond bite.
Suavia – Monte Carbonare offers lime zest, white flowers, and an electric basaltic minerality.
Travel Spotlight – Exploring the area around Soave
Stay
Locanda ai Capitelli – Boutique hilltop inn overlooking castle walls and basalt terraces; sunset aperitivo on the balcony pairs naturally with chilled Soave Superiore.
Dine
Trattoria alla Rosa (Soave) – Bring your Soave Classico to pair with the fresh bigoli with lake‑caught sardines and lemon‑herb butter.
Swirl
Walk the Scaliger Castle Ramparts – Grab a glass from the enoteca below and trace the medieval walls while looking at the surrounding vineyards.
Quiz
How does basalt versus limestone influence aroma and texture in Soave Superiore compared with wines from the broader flatlands?
Why do producers age Soave Superiore sur lie or in acacia casks, and how does this technique shape mid‑palate weight?