“Soave, great now, great later”: “Programmatic Manifesto” of the most famous white wine in Veneto

Soave, a wine which can be enjoyable when young and continue to evolve positively over the years, as perfectly captured by the American expression “Soave, great now, great later”, is in the middle of an epochal transformation. It was precisely this “revolution” of Veneto most famous white wine which was the focus of the edition No. 3 of “Appuntamento Soave”, an event organized by the Consortium and dedicated to “Soave, the evolution of the present”, held in recent days at the Capitular Library of Verona, the oldest library in the world still in operation.
“Appuntamento Soave” featured several moments, ranging from a masterclass showcasing wines from different Ugas to a panel discussion led by Luciano Ferraro, deputy editor of “Corriere della Sera”, with Cristian Ridolfi, Federico Veronesi of Oniwines and Signorvino (with whom we analyzed wine markets and the communication of the wine industry of the future in an interview that will soon be available online), Monsignor Bruno Fasani, president of the Foundation of the Capitular Library of Verona and director of “Telepace” (who spoke to us about wine as a symbol for Pope Francis and Pope Leo in an interview that will also be published soon), Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini, president of the Wine Tourism Movement, and American journalist and wine critic Robert Camuto. The event also included tasting tables featuring 40 wineries (with WineNews highlighting the standout wines in focus).
“I am moved to be here at the Capitular Library, a place rich in history and artifacts that preserves a millennia-old culture, just as the production of significant wines in Soave and the surrounding areas dates back thousands of years and was already regulated during Roman times - continued Cristian Ridolfi, president of the Soave Consorzio - just as it was then, wine remains essential today for the economy and local income, to which its landscape also contributes, as evidenced by the Fao recognition of the area as a Giahs (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System), placing our denomination among the world agricultural heritage sites. The Soave DOC is based not only on its unique geological characteristics but also on the interpretation of the territory by successive generations and on the Additional Geographical Units (Ugas), which provide a way to tell its story through distinctive narratives and features, while promoting food, wine, and cultural tourism. Wine has a unique characteristic: it carries with it a story and a memory, connecting the present with the past through the vintage, the producer, and the tasting experience”.
And, this is the context in which the epochal change currently taking place in Soave is unfolding, through both the revision of the production regulations and the “Soave Identity Project” (as Ridolfi explained in a forthcoming interview with WineNews, soon online). In summary, the proposed amendments to the production regulations, agreed upon throughout the supply chain and currently awaiting approval, reorganize the existing framework to create a clear geographical and qualitative distinction between wines produced on the plains and those produced on the hillsides. Soave DOC will be allowed to be produced in the flatland areas, with lower yields per hectare focused on a fresh, approachable style, and it will no longer be permitted to use subzone designations or Ugas. On the other hand, Soave Superiore DOCG will be produced exclusively in hillside areas and may bear the denominations “Classico” and Uga. Consequently, producers wishing to indicate a single vineyard or geographical designation on the label will be required to comply with the stricter production regulations governing Soave Superiore DOCG. Further reductions in yields and longer mandatory aging periods will enhance the longevity and quality of hillside wines. At the same time, the Consortium is working on a revision and reorganization of the current Ugas, which are currently 33.

Focus - “Appuntamento Soave”:: The Best Tastings by WineNews
Coffele - Soave DOC Classico Castel Cerino 2021 - Uga Castelcerino
Bright straw yellow. On the nose, citrus notes dominate, followed by aromatic herbs and a delicate mineral hint. The palate is full, juicy, and savory, with a slightly saline finish. Its vibrant freshness makes it immediately appealing, while also revealing notable complexity.

Cadis 1898 - Soave Classico DOC Castelcerino 2025 - Uga Castelcerino
Bright straw yellow. The bouquet offers sweet white flowers, ripe white fruits, and bergamot. Fresh and savory on the palate, it finishes with persistence and a characteristic almond note.

Suavia - Soave DOC Classico Monte Carbonare 2023 - Uga Carbonare 2023
Brilliant straw yellow. Intense citrus aromas are complemented by spicy notes, hazelnut, and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the acidity is incisive, the mineral salinity pronounced, and the finish long and persistent.

La Cappuccina - Soave DOC Classico Monte Stelle 2024 - Uga Brognoligo
Bright straw yellow. Notes of ripe yellow-fleshed fruit and mandarin are enriched by a touch of lavender. The sip opens with lively freshness, which gradually gives way to a dense, structured palate. Savory and balanced, it lingers impressively.

Le Mandolare - Soave Classico Superiore DOCG Monte Sella 2024 - Uga Brognoligo
Deep, luminous golden yellow. Rich and substantial in the glass. The nose combines ripe fruit and sweet flowers with aromatic herbs and mineral nuances. The palate begins soft and rounded, quickly supported by pleasant acidity and salinity that extend its dry finish.

Prà - Soave DOC Classico Monte Grande 2023 - Uga Monte Grande
Brilliant straw yellow. Tropical fruit notes mingle with citrus aromas and a subtle bitter edge. The palate is full and vibrant, evolving toward a certain softness; long finish, fruity and mineral.

Gini - Soave DOC Classico Froscà 2021 - Uga Froscà
Bright straw yellow. Grapefruit citrus notes prevail on the nose, accompanied by a distinct bitter hint which recalls toasted hazelnut. Rich and savory on the palate, with passion fruit notes. Juiciness and persistence remain intact thanks to its freshness.

Collis Heritage - Soave DOCG Superiore Classico Castellaro Clivus 2024 - Uga Castellaro
Deep straw yellow. Full-bodied in the glass, with aromas of ripe white fruit, honey, and vanilla nuances. The palate is full, warm, and savory, supported by vibrant acidity. Almond-tinged finish.

Bolla (Gruppo Italiano Vini-Giv) - Soave DOCG Superiore Classico Tufaie 2024 - Uga Castellaro
Brilliant straw yellow with golden highlights. Intense floral notes are joined by sweet fruit and vanilla aromas. The palate is rounded, slightly bitter, and savory. Elegant and easy-drinking, with a long finish.

Vicentini - Soave DOCG Superiore Il Casale 2024 - Uga Monte di Colognola
Pale straw yellow. The nose reveals intense, clean floral notes, fresh fruity and citrus aromas, together with hints of honey and mineral nuances. Fresh and harmonious on the palate, with an attractive savory finish.

Santi - Soave Classico DOC Colforte 2025
Deep straw yellow. Floral aromas combine with crunchy fruit, exotic fruit notes, and hints of honey. Good body and a firm acidic backbone are matched by marked salinity. Harmonious overall, with a fruity finish.

Vitevis - Soave DOC Monopolio 2024
Light straw yellow. Fruit notes accompany citrus aromas, enriched by delicate sweet floral nuances. The palate is characterized by vibrant acidity, savory minerality, and a fruity return on the finish.