New "cru" vineyards recognised in Soave
Thirty three new Cru Soave vineyards have been formally recognised by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture following an 18-year zoning project by the region’s Consorzio.
The ruling designates and protects specific vineyards that have, for generations, been prized for their high quality and distinctive personality. While these single sites have long been bottled by many top producers, they now have official status within the Soave denomination.
These newly recognised crus cover just under 40% of the Soave vineyard area, and are all situated on historic hillside terroirs. Formally known as “geographical units” the crus are located throughout Soave, with 29 in the classico zone, two in the dark volcanic soils of the Val d’Alpone to the east, and three in the calcareous soils of the western valleys.
The “Vigne del Soave” zoning project to map the sites was initiated in 2000 by the Consorzio whose detailed research into the different soils, altitudes, topography and cultivation of each site drew on Napoleonic maps of the different crus.
Producers are required by the new ruling to show traceability throughout the production process of any wine bottled with the name of a cru.
“The approval of these geographic units is a great vindication for Soave,” said the Consorzio’s director. Aldo Lorenzoni. “We have a long tradition of using these locations on labels, so as to honour our terroir and to help the consumer. But now we can talk about the nuanced identity of Soave with even more impact and confidence. We know from our promotional events in the UK that the recognition of and appetite for the diverse styles of Soave is strong.”
The 33 Soave crus are: Castelcerino, Colombara, Froscà, Fittà, Foscarino, Volpare, Tremenalto, Carbonare, Tent, Corte Durlo, Rugate, Croce, Costalunga, Coste, Zoppega, Menini, Monte Grande, Ca 'del Vento, Castellaro, Pressoni, Broia, Brognoligo, Costalta , Paradiso, Costeggiola, Casarsa, Monte di Colognola, Campagnola, Pigno, Duello, Sengialta, Ponsarà, Roncà - Monte Calvarina.
The UK trade & media can taste the latest wines from 20 producers participating in Summer of Soave on Friday 21st June in London. To register click here.