Soave

Made official by the decree of August 21, 1968, the Soave appellation has its roots in the eastern hills of the province of Verona, a historic wine-growing area (the first wine to receive the distinction of "good Italian wine" by royal decree in 1931).

Its production area covers a series of municipalities, including Soave, Monteforte, San Martino B.A., Lavagno, Mezzane, Caldiero, Colognola, Illasi, Cazzano, San Bonifacio, Roncà, Montecchia, and San Giovanni Ilarione, all of which belong wholly or partly to the wine-growing zone.

Soave DOC wines are divided into three categories, each defining a specific geographical area and production criteria relating to yields, minimum alcohol content, and wine characteristics. Thus, there are:

In terms of soil, Soave benefits from great geological diversity. 

There are volcanic hillsides, limestone soils, calcareous alluvial soils from ancient marine deposits, and non-calcareous alluvial soils. This variety of soils has a considerable influence on the aromas of the wines. For example, wines from volcanic soils are distinguished by intense aromas of citrus, honey, peaches, and melon, with a hint of saltiness. Conversely, wines from limestone soils are more subtle, less expressive in terms of aroma, and offer a lighter, more refined structure on the palate.