Winery: Suavia Azienda Agricola
Bottling: 2006 Soave Classico (Garganega & Trebbiano)
Importer: Vias Imports
Region: Italy
Sub-Region: Soave, Veneto
Estimated Retail Price: $16
Purchase Details & Tasting Source: Purchased from Fujioka’s Wine Times on the island of Oahu
Tasting Notes: This fragrant and delightful Soave is as charming as the four Tessari sisters who who run the family’s estate.
The wine emanated a delightful, light straw color while in the glass. White flower, as well as stone, mineral and green apple were the aromas the wine gave off.
In the mouth, the wine had an amiable acidity. The result of 30% of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation as well as sitting on the lees for four months. Slightly creamy undertones and citrus flavors on the finish complete the vinous, sensory experience.
Be sure to not pass this wine off as a simple white, Italian aperitif. The wine is delicate without being lost on you and has an underlying complexity that kind of catches you off guard.
Food Pairing & Context in Which to Enjoy: We had this with a homemade Portuguese caldo verde (potato, kale, sausage & clear broth soup). I substituted the Portuguese sausage with cubes of pork tenderloin instead, which was a good call since the sausage would have overwhelmed the wine.
This is a great sipper and a nice wine to start a meal off with. I think this would go great with trout, tilapia or catfish. Light cream sauces and soups with clear broths are also a great match.
Winery Background: The Tessari family’s estate is located in the heart of the Soave Classico region in Veneto. Although the estate’s first vintage was released in the early eighties, grape farming in the family dates all the way back to 1887.
It wasn’t until 1982 that the family decided to reap the rewards of the fruits of their labor and make their own wine, instead of selling their grapes to the local cooperatives. Like many estates in the region, the production focus centers around the areas white varieties.
The Grape Crusader 