Gini Soave Classico '22

The Gini family’s history in the Soave Classico region dates to the seventh century, and the family owns 25 hectares of vineyards on the best hillside position of the appellation. Gini is focused on very low yields and low-intervention viticulture, with the goal of expressing the unique character of each cru. Long maligned as an appellation because of commercial production from large producers in the 1980s and ’90s, today Soave has a fierce cohort of family wineries who are making remarkable small-production, honest wines, and this is one of them. Gini’s vineyards are certified organic.
 
Gini’s Soave Classico is made from 100% Garganega (pronounced “gar-GAN-nehgah”) harvested from vines that are a minimum of 70 years old, planted on volcanic soils in the historical hilly area where Garganega grapes are traditionally grown (designated as the Classico area). The fruit is harvested by hand and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged on the lees in steel tanks for six months before bottling.
 
Garganega is very much its own grape, though it can show qualities one might find in both Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The nose shows notes of yellow plum, Fuji apple, lemon oil, and honeydew, along with chamomile, fennel, and sweet herbs. On the palate, the wine shows moderate acidity and is moderate in body, with a round, slightly saline softness to the finish. Pair it with seared scallops, cauliflower parmesan, white pizza, or a salad with roasted chicken and tarragon.