📜 Soave Superiore

Soave Superiore is an Italian protected designation of origin (PDO, DOCG status) for white wine from the province of Verona in Veneto. It has been in the EU register since 14 April 2004.

The single document lists Chardonnay B, Trebbiano di Soave B and Garganega B under main wine grape varieties and gives no ranking or percentages. Its link section ties Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave to the basaltic soils of the area.

The wine is straw yellow, sometimes intense with hints of green, with broad floral aromas and a full flavour with a slight bitterness. It covers Soave Superiore, plus the Riserva and Classico versions. Minimum total alcoholic strength is 12.00% vol, or 12.50% vol for Riserva, and minimum sugar-free extract is 19.0 g/l. Maximum yield is 70 hectolitres per hectare for all three. The specification says the wine needs to age for a few months before release, which improves its structure and the evolution of its aromas.

The grapes must come from all or part of the territory of twelve municipalities, as the document lists them, in the province of Verona. They are 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. The Classico area is defined separately.

Bottling or packaging must take place within the province of Verona. Four additional geographical mentions are allowed for Soave Superiore and Soave Superiore Classico: Ca' del vento, Corte del Durlo, Monte di Colognola and Roncà - Monte Calvarina.