Like many Italian wines, the Soave name represents both the region and the style of wine. The Soave region is in North Eastern Italy, around the city of Verona. Soave the wine is made primarily from the garganega grape. It’s often 100% garganega, but sometimes includes small amounts of trebbiano, chardonnay or pinot bianco.
Bolla, the producer of this wine, has a long history in Italy and as of 2009 became owned by Gruppo Italiano Vini — the largest wine producer in Italy. Banfi, another big name in Italian wine, is the distribution partner for the US.
If you do much wine shopping, you’ve probably seen Bolla wines on the shelves. They produce a number of different wines, but Soave was their first, back in 1883.
Another note in history associated with this wine is related to Frank Sinatra. It was said that Sinatra would not sit in a restaurant that didn’t have Soave Bolla on the menu.
Caramelized pear, honeysuckle and lemon aromas give this wine a nice nose. The palate is a little on the heavy side for a white, with dense pear, apple and peach flavors. It’s a medley of stone fruits. I would have liked a bit more acidity, but I wouldn’t call it flabby. The floral notes make a reprise on the finish, where they linger for a good long time.
Wine: Bolla Classico Soave
Variety: Soave
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 85
Price: $8.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
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