Soave is an Italian dry white wine produced in the Veneto region. It is mainly made from Garganega grapes, with possible additions of Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. Soave typically has an alcohol content of around 11-12%.
History
Soave was a 'calling card' of Italian winemaking alongside Chianti in the early 20th century and gained popularity in America. However, producers prioritized quantity over quality, making Soave synonymous with cheap, low-quality wine by the mid-20th century. At the turn of the 21st century, producers worked to restore its quality and image by establishing requirements for terroir, soil composition, and vineyard location on mountain slopes.
Types and styles
Beyond the basic Soave DOC, there are higher quality categories: Soave Classico DOC and Soave Superiore DOCG. These appellations have stricter requirements for the wines. The main grape used is Garganega (at least 70%), with possible blending of Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Соаве (вино), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.