Soave Classico, 2020. Clivus

Cantina di Monteforte was created in 1952 by 600 different wineries in order to compete in what was becoming a very large global wine market. They are located in the Veneto where two wines are the benchmark of the appellation: Soave and Valpolicella. The cantina itself owns no vineyards but has at their disposal more than 700,000 gallons of wine to choose from.

The term "Classico" on the label is not just for show. It has a very definite and legal definition. Wines of distinction were famous long before laws were created to protect them. Soave became very popular more than 100 years ago. It was a very specific place where only Garganega and Trebbiano could be grown in order to call it Soave.

However, since there were no laws, people outside the zone were making a wine called "Soave" except it wasn't as good as the real thing. The laws were created to protect the original appellation. Many were allowed to use the name Soave on their label as long as it came from a specific place near the zone. But only those in the original center of the area could use the word "Classico." This is basically the same law that binds many other Italian areas, especially Chianti.

Soave is one of the great white wines of the world. Its pronounced delicacy matched with its presence and uniqueness separates it from all others. The highly floral atmosphere sports tinges of quince and lime leading to a lip smacking finish. Seafood salads and pastas featuring shrimp and mussels are just what is needed.

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