Pra Otto Soave Classico 2021
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James
Suckling
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This is a bright, dangerously delicious, mid-weight white wine, with aromas and flavors of green apple, flowers, almond, and citrus. I love this as an aperitif but it is also perfect with all sorts of seafood, roast chicken, and many pasta dishes.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Quite refreshing and mineral with lots of green and white fruit. Stony nectarine and green-apple aromas. Pure and fresh with a textured, medium-bodied palate, showing some mineral and limey fruit . Gastronomic and delicious.
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2022-
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James
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James
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James
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Graziano Prà has been part of the company since the early 80s but it was his father and grandfather who sealed his fate as winemaker.
Regions such as Monte Grande and Monte Bisson in Soave and Morandina in Valpolicella have risen to international fame thanks to him; small esteemed Crus located in strong viticulture areas.
The principles that have shaped his story are quintessence and respect for the land. Purity is a key word to describe Graziano wines. He is still in charge of winemaking decisions and, in the wine cellar, he prefers the exaltation of the fruit. Research and innovation are inspired by the enhancement of the high quality of grapes coming from the field. From the beginning, his production choice to only use local vine varieties reflects Graziano’s strong belief in the potential quality of local grapes and for the enhancement of the territory.
One of Italy’s classic white varieties, Garganega flourishes in the rolling vineyards surrounding the medieval village of Soave and is the dominant variety in the wine from the region, aptly known as, Soave. By law it makes up 70-100% of the blend with the remainder traditionally finished off by Trebbiano di Soave for its crispness. Somm Secret—The best Soave wines, measurably elegant and vibrant, come from the Soave Classico zone, in the center of Soave, where the hills are made of decomposed volcanic and granitic soils.
Among Italy’s classic whites capable of great potential, Soave is named after the medieval village and surrounding hillsides from whence it comes. The original, historical Soave zone, delimited back in 1927, covers the eastern, volcanic hillsides of today's general Soave zone and is called Soave Classico.
Garganega, the indigenous grape responsible for great Soave, produces medium bodied white wines with fine acidity. Typical in the best Soaves are lively flowery and fresh herbal aromas and flavors such as orange zest, peach, melon and marjoram. The best can take some age and in so doing, develop notes of chamomile, marmalade and honey.
By the 1960s and 70s, Soave was enjoying such a glorious global reputation, that its demand forced growers to push beyond the zone's original borders. Expansion led west out of the hills and onto the alluvial plain of the Adige River. This, coupled with an increase in yields and allowance of additional varieties such as Trebbiano, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc, met demand but created a softer, fruit-forward, everyday Soave. Today the broader region can be the source of charming and value driven whites. But those labeled as Soave Classico or in rare cases, as Soave Colli Scaligeri (nearby hillside vineyards abutting the Classico zone), will be the best quality and age-worthy Soaves. These are often 100% Garganega.