Garganega Soave 2024

Originating from the volcanic hills of Soave, east of Verona in the Veneto region, this wine comes primarily from vineyards located around the villages of Monteforte d'Alpone and Soave. The plots, planted on mineral-rich basaltic soils, benefit from well-ventilated exposures that promote slow and even ripening of the grapes. The Gini estate, one of the oldest in the region, cultivates these vines with meticulous care, paying close attention to preserving the natural characteristics of the terroir and the precise expression of the Garganega appellation.

The Garganega grapes are hand-harvested on the volcanic slopes of Monteforte d'Alpone and then gently pressed as whole bunches. The must is cold-settled before a slow alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the floral character and fruity purity of the grape variety. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks for several months, with periodic stirring, and then rests in the bottle before release to refine its texture and harmonize the minerality typical of the Soave terroir.

This wine reveals notes of fresh citrus , green apple , and pear , complemented by floral touches of white flowers and chamomile , as well as delicate mineral and slightly almond nuances. On the palate, the texture is supple and elegant , carried by a lively acidity that brings tension and freshness, with a saline and persistent finish that highlights the purity of the fruit and the finesse of the terroir.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!