Soave Superiore comes from the hills east of Verona, between the plain and the Lessini Mountains, in the same area as Soave. To set apart the hill wines, with lower yields and longer ageing, in 2001 the Superiore became a DOCG. The area includes all or part of the municipalities of Soave, Monteforte d'Alpone, San Martino Buon Albergo, Mezzane di Sotto, Roncà, Montecchia di Crosara, San Giovanni Ilarione, Cazzano di Tramigna, Colognola ai Colli, Caldiero, Illasi and Lavagno. Vineyards cover about 78 hectares, with an output of 3,490 hectolitres.
Classico and geographical units
The Classico mention is reserved for the hill belt of Soave and Monteforte d'Alpone, the historic area. The regulations also recognise 33 additional geographical units, hills and localities that may appear on the label, such as Foscarino, Castellaro, Rugate, Monte Grande, Pressoni and Froscà.
Garganega at the centre
The regulations require at least 70% Garganega, with Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay up to 30%. Minimum alcohol is 12%. The Superiore ages for about six months and cannot be released before 1 April after the harvest; the Riserva ages for about a year and is not released before the following 1 November.
In the glass it is straw yellow with golden glints, with aromas of white flowers, almond, peach, citrus and a mineral note heightened by the volcanic soils. With a few years in bottle it develops notes of honey and dried fruit.
An ancient history
As early as Roman times, wines from dried grapes were made around Soave. Letters from the year 503 recommended seeking out these "most smooth and full-bodied" wines for the royal table, along with a white wine that "shines like a milky drink". The Verona pergola, the traditional training system still used today, is attested in 680, and a plaque of 1375 in Soave's Palace of Justice recalls the local wine culture. The first protection came in 1924, and in October 1931 a delimited zone was recognised. At the table it goes with risottos, lake fish, white meats and medium-aged cheeses from Veneto.
