When discussing wines from the Campi Flegrei, a famous volcanic area in Italy, we happened to mention other denominations that share the same characteristic. One of these is Soave. The denomination was established in 1968, making it one of the first in Italy, but as early as 1931, the wine from this area was declared "typical and fine" by a royal decree. We are in the province of Verona, with the Lessini Mountains sloping down from the north towards the south, while the western border is marked by the province of Vicenza. Wine has always been made in this area, as evidenced by Roman-era writings, but the region achieved particular success in the early 20th century when Soave was already among the best-selling wines in Italy and beyond.
Soave, a denomination with a dual soul
With approximately 7,000 hectares of vineyards, Soave is one of the largest white wine denominations in Italy. As previously mentioned, the uniqueness of this territory lies in its geomorphological composition: in fact, a large part of the vineyards in the denomination, those cultivated in the central area east of Lessinia, rest on volcanic soils. However, the soul of Soave is dual, as these soils alternate with limestone ones in the western part of the denomination, which are equally capable of producing deep and elegant wines. The differentiation within the denomination, further increased by the fact that the vineyards range from the plains to hills exceeding 500 metres in altitude, led a few years ago to the creation of a system of Additional Geographical Units (UGAs) aimed at mapping microzones with unique pedoclimatic and geomorphological characteristics: the 33 UGAs cover only 40% of the vineyard area and are dedicated exclusively to the hillside zone.
From an ampelographic perspective, the undisputed protagonist of Soave vineyards is Garganega, a native grape that has always been cultivated in these areas and appears to have some genetic relation to Grecanico, a grape mainly grown in Sicily. Other grape varieties used in Soave production include Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay (the latter two in quantities not exceeding 30%).
The Soave wines with the best quality-price ratio
The following list includes our top tastings of Soave wines available, which we have featured in the Berebene 2025 and Vini d'Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso. There are plenty of names here, ensuring a great deal of enjoyment.
Gini, a historic winery in Monteforte d'Alpone, is recognised as one of the most established historical interpreters of this renowned white wine denomination, and once again this year, their Soave fully deserves a place in our selection. The ripe fruit is surrounded by fresh floral notes that are immediately clear on the nose; on the palate, the wine is agile, juicy, and has a stimulating sapidity. It will be a faithful companion on many occasions.
The winery of Claudio and Sandro Gini is one of the best-known establishments in the Soave area, and the two brothers are often regarded as custodians of the identity of Soave wine. However, they have also embraced significant innovations, taking on the challenge of international varieties in the upper Val Tramigna and, in recent years, that of Valpolicella, all while maintaining high-quality standards.
The foundation date of I Campi may state only 2006, but Flavio Prà has been navigating the hills of Soave and Valpolicella for much longer, having developed an extensive consulting career in the area. A dozen hectares located in the highest parts of both territories form the basis of a high-quality vineyard, intended for a production style that enhances the most elegant and refined aspects of the respective denominations. A perfect example of this style is the Soave Campo Vulcano '23, featuring fresh fruit and floral notes, still dominated by youthful expressiveness bordering on simplicity; the palate wins with its lightness and tension.
Roccolo del Durlo, outlined by smoky notes and yellow fruit, combines immediacy and complexity, delivering an energetic and dense sip. Gelmino and Cristina Dal Bosco run the small family winery nestled in the hills of Soave. On dark basalt soil, a dozen hectares are exclusively dedicated to Garganega, the queen grape of these lands, giving life to an authentic and characterful production, where stylistic perfection is set aside in favour of a grittier and deeper expression of the denomination.
The most ambitious wines of the house offer a performance that at times is almost embarrassing for its consistency and class, all born from the sun-kissed 2022 harvest.
Few wineries can rely on a single vineyard platform that rests in one of the best areas of Soave Classico, Castelcerino, a splendid limestone exposure facing the sunset. Alberto and Chiara Coffele produce a Soave that combines the immediacy of the typology with the sharpest and most elegant expression conferred by the terroir, highlighted by a sinuous palate with excellent incisiveness.
The great Soave cooperative is the undisputed protagonist of the area's viticultural landscape, backed by the collaboration of thousands of members who often cultivate only small plots of land. From the Castelcerino area come the grapes for this intriguing Soave, a glass with intense aromas of white fruit and flowers, which are also found on the palate, where the wine, thanks to its acidic drive, is agile and juicy.
When well interpreted, Soave is a white wine that is immediate, satisfying, and easy to drink in its youth, while becoming complex, deep, and full of character with the right ageing. The Monte Fiorentine by Ca' Rugate has often highlighted this profile, fearlessly enduring years of ageing in the cellar before fully expressing its value. Buy it without hesitation—it will accompany you for years in your most successful dinners.
The winery led by Michele Tessari seems to thrive on challenges. No vintage passes without a new project, often the starting point for viticultural or winery improvements, but many times leading to the birth of a new label. Corte Durlo, Amedeo, Studio di Studio have all been experiences of understanding traditions, places, and grapes, resulting in a production that knows no weaknesses.
Today, concepts like sustainability, organic practices, and environmental respect are on everyone's lips, but it is worth noting that some wineries embarked on this path long ago, convinced that good wine can only come from a healthy environment. The Tessari brothers run their family business, La Cappuccina, located on the eastern slopes of the Soave denomination, enclosed between the classic zone hills and those introducing Lessinia. Here we highlight their Soave Monte Stelle.
The road from Soave to Castelcerino winds up the hillside, and after two bends crossing a small wood, the landscape opens onto perfectly tended vineyards. This is the beating heart of Balestri Valda, run by Laura Rizzotto, whose winery lies just beyond, surrounded by rows of Garganega vines. Maximum respect for the environment ensures a production that blends classicism and character.
The Soave Sengialta, from the excellent 2021 vintage, presents itself on the nose with subtle and almost hidden aromas that quickly release memories of golden apple, dried flowers, and a timid hint of flint. On the palate, it follows the same path, debuting delicately but closing with great drive.
The most interesting wines from Giovanni Bartucci come from the Soave area, particularly from Le Coste, where Soave Verso '21 is produced. This white wine undergoes long ageing in the cellar before bottling, and today showcases its ability to balance complexity and immediate pleasure. Aromas range from ripe yellow fruit to dried flowers, from liquorice root to smoky nuances, finally offering a sip of great richness and sapidity.
The large cooperative of Monteforte d'Alpone, through the work of its numerous members, cultivates vineyards across the entire Soave denomination. In the vineyards of Tremenalto, in the northern part of the classic area, the grapes are harvested for this elegant white, outlined by aromas of fresh fruit and flowers. On the palate, the wine further enhances this finesse with a juicy and highly dynamic sip.
Among the key players in the new wave of Soave, the Dal Cero family winery must certainly be mentioned, interpreting the eastern hills of the denomination. Here, on the slopes of the ancient volcanoes Calvarina and Crocetta, their vineyards extend over many hectares, and the grapes ripen while maintaining the vibrant acidity that gives the white wines of this part of Veneto their unmistakable character. A perfect example is the Roncà Monte Calvarina, a glass offering fresh aromas of white fruit and flowers, with a subtle citrus vein in the background. On the palate, its territorial character emerges, revealing unexpected energy and tension.
In the past decade, the eastern area of the Soave denomination has established itself as one of the most interesting, a land rich in basalt from nearby volcanoes, now home to the Franchetto family's vineyards.
La Capelina '23 is a Soave that presents a simple and fragrant fruit on the nose, immediately readable. On the palate, however, the wine changes face, abandoning simplicity to cling to the strength of the terroir, revealing a sapid and gritty acidic vein that makes it unmistakable.
The Soave Il Casale '22 is a pure Garganega harvested at perfect ripeness, showcasing a delicate yet expansive aromatic profile, where yellow fruit, flowers, and Mediterranean scrub notes unfold, revealing new facets. On the palate, the fullness of the sip takes centre stage, resulting in a juicy and well-extended experience.
A few years ago, the Vicentini family winery was one of many seeking a place in a crowded and oversaturated wine world, always chasing the success of more renowned estates. Today, the San Zeno-based winery has secured a front-row position, backed by a production of great character and identity. Agostino's careful vineyard management is complemented by his son Emanuele's work in the cellar.
If you think Soave is simply a fresh and fruity white wine, Soave Vulcano '22 is the bottle to change your mind, revealing a side of this Veronese white denomination where character is the defining trait. Alongside ripe yellow fruit, increasingly intense notes of flint and dried flowers emerge. On the palate, the wine is rich, highly savoury, and enlivened by a vital acidic backbone. It does not shy away from being paired with white meats.
Federico Zambon has taken over the family winery and, within a few years, has driven a decisive shift involving all production phases. The vineyards, located in the eastern Soave area, are centred around the Calvarina, Duello, and Crocetta hills, adopting increasingly sustainable viticulture while enhancing the harvested grapes. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentations and wines are presented only after adequate ageing.
Few bottles of Soave are produced by Roccolo Grassi, but Broia '22 is a wine that leaves a lasting impression. Its pale straw colour does not hint at the aromatic breadth it offers on the nose, with white fruit interwoven with floral notes and a timid minerality waiting to emerge. The palate is full-bodied and tense, closing with a savoury and very long finish.
The Sartori siblings, Francesca and Marco, have played a decisive role in elevating the wines of Valpolicella, bringing attention to a previously lesser-known territory. Their meticulous vineyard management allows for the harvest of perfectly ripe and healthy grapes, which, in their Mezzane cellar, are transformed into a handful of wines of absolute excellence.
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