Soave
Pleasing, sweet, exquisite: this is what the word “soave” signifies in Italian. However, “Soave” means a lot more!
The town is principally famous, in addition to its homonymous wine, for its medieval castle, probably one of the best examples of castle architecture in the whole region.
There is no official document showing the origins of this monumental fortification, however it probably dates back to the early Xth century, on a site where Roman remains have been found. The counts of San Bonifacio were the first feudatories to own this stronghold, which was then conquered by the Scaligeri at the end of the XIIIth century. In 1375, Cansignorio della Scala decided to strenghten it, adding the impressive boundary walls that still today enclose the whole village, giving it a unique “olde worlde” atmosphere. Nowadays, you can visit the castle — with its drawbridge, high central tower, courtyards and frescoed salons, while its keep and the boundary walls offer one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Lessini mountains and the Po valley, as well as of the seemingly endless fields full of vineyards that surround this incredible place.
Soave is one of the most renowned wines in Italy and abroad, it can be dry and still, slightly sparkling or, in its Recioto version, even sweet. The Soave DOC (guarantee of origin) includes various wines produced in this area, placed on the hills between the provinces of Verona and Vicenza, such as Soave Classico DOC, DOC Colli Scaligeri, Superiore DOCG and Recioto di Soave DOCG. The oldest production site is on the hills of Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone, which is where Classico DOC comes from; the hills between San Martino Buon Albergo up to Roncà give life to DOC Colli Scaligeri; the flat areas of the valleys represent a third wine production site. The vineyard area is 6,500 total hectares.
According to the procedural guidelines, Soave DOC has to consist of at least 70% of its core grape — local Garganega with its fairly big bunch, hard, golden-skinned grapes and high output — while the remaining 30% can include Trebbiano di Soave, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay grapes. However, winemakers’ prevailing tendency is to use Garganega in its purity, as it is a grape that adds all those characteristic mineral fragrances coming from the volcanic hills it grows upon. Soave wines tend to be light to medium bodied, light enough to enjoy on their own or with some nibbles: maybe this is why you will find it is one of our go-to wines for aperitivo!
Join one of our dedicated wine tours to explore this magical land with its history and to discover all of its secrets!
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FAQ
How can I get to Soave from Verona?
Soave is located about 25 kilometers east of Verona, and we offer several options to make the journey part of the experience:
Tours departing from Verona: the easiest solution, our group and private tours depart from our office in Via della Valverde 75 (37122, Verona) and include transport in an air-conditioned minivan.
Private transfers: we can arrange a pick-up directly from your hotel.
On your own: It is possible to reach Soave by train (about 20 minutes), but to visit wineries, joining an organized tour is strongly recommended to avoid driving and parking issues.
Which tours do you offer in Soave?
In the Soave region, we offer several wine tour options, both group and private, with the possibility of customization. Among the group tours:
Soave and Amarone: a half day tour that introduced guests to the renowned white wines of Soave and the famous DOCG red wines of Valpolicella. https://www.paguswinetours.com/group-wine-tours/soave-and-amarone/
Among the private tours, we offer:
A day through Soave and Valpolicella: a full day tour designed for those who can’t choose between white and red wines. Discover the aromas of Garganega (Soave’s native grape) and enjoy the DOCG wines of Valpolicella Classica. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/a-day-through-soave-and-valpolicella/
A taste of Soave: a half day tour where guests can explore the Soave Classico area, including a visit to the medieval Castle of Soave, the symbol of the entire region. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/a-taste-of-soave/
Soave aboard a vintage Fiat 500: a half day tour combining the charm of vintage Italy with a guided tasting of the most well-known and renowned wines of the Soave DOC region. https://www.paguswinetours.com/private-wine-tasting/soave-in-a-vintage-fiat-500-car/
Which municipalieties make up the Soave Classico area?
Unlike Valpolicella Classica, which consists of five historic municipalities, the Soave Classico area is made up of just two main towns: Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone.
Which are the wines and the main grape variety of the Soave Classico region?
The main grape variety of the Soave DOC region is Garganega, which forms the base of most of the wines produced in this area. These include Soave DOC (a dry white wine that reflects the local terroir, as Soave vineyards grow on volcanic soil), Soave Superiore DOCG (a more structured and age-worthy wine), and Recioto di Soave DOCG (a sweet white wine made primarily from Garganega grapes).
Which are the best food pairings of Soave wines?
Starting with Soave DOC, as a wine that strongly reflects its local terroir, it pairs particularly well with seafood such as oysters, shrimp or grilled fish. Soave Superiore DOCG, being more structured, pairs well with white such as chicken or herb-roasted rabbit, as well as with goat cheeses. Finally, Recioto di Soave DOCG, thanks to its pronounced sweetness, pairs perfectly with desserts such as cherry tart.
Which are the typical dishes of Soave?
In Soave, the main traditional dish is “stracotto d’asino” (also known as “de musso”), a donkey meat stew slow cooked for many hours. As dessert (even if it is not only typical of Soave) there is the “Fugassa Veneta” that is a typical easter dessert and it pairs well with the Recioto di Soave DOCG.
What can I do in Soave besides wine tastings?
In addition to its wines, Soave is especially famous for its impressive medieval castle, one of the finest examples of castle architecture. Today, visitors can explore the castle, including its drawbridge, beautiful courtyards and large frescoed halls. It is also possible to walk along the ancient city walls, which offer stunning views of the Lessini Mountains.
Are there events or festivals in Soave throughout the year?
Yes, Soave hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, mainly related to wine and local traditions. Among the most important are the “Festa Medievale e del vino Soave” in spring, the historic “Festa dell’Uva” in September and finally, music events such as the “Soave Guitar Festival” and the “Soave Live Festival” during the summer.