Vallena Soave

Description

If there's any classic style of white wine from Italy that deserves a deeper look, it's Soave. Virtual oceans of it are exported and drunk annually every year, but it's largely overlooked as simple, quaffable, house wine. One sip of Vallena's example, though, will convince you that this misunderstood wine region can produce some seriously delicious bottles. In fact, this is the second vintage of this wine that we've featured in WineCollective packages, and it's even better than the first! Located in Veneto, in northeastern Italy, Soave's home rose to fame for the production of rich, raisiny Amarone and it's slightly lighter-bodied cousin Valpolicella. The practice of drying grapes to concentrate flavour, sugar, and by extension, alcohol, developed in response to the region's cooler climate: without the heat necessary to reliably ripen red grapes, this was the workaround. However, that same reliably cool climate is perfect for aromatic white grapes like Soave's Garganega. Vallena's example comes from 40-year old vines, proof that care and attention in the vineyard and winery can make white wines full of character and complexity. Enjoy this unoaked white at a well-chilled 6 C over the next 2-3 years.

Pairing

Pair this medium-bodied white with a hearty curried butternut squash soup or pasta with roasted cauliflower and pine nuts.