Soave Classico represents the heart of the Soave wine production zone; the best situated vineyards, many of them as high as 1000 feet above sea level, are the most treasured for wines of great complexity and age worthiness.

The principal grape in Soave Classico is Garganega, which must be at least 70% of the wine; the other important variety in the zone is Trebbiano di Soave; once abundant, few producers work with this variety or introduce new plantings these days, given the difficulties of working with this variety.

What separates Soave Classico from other sectors of the Soave zone is the the classico vineyards, near the towns of Soave and Monteforte d'Alpone, have soils that are of volcanic origin. That characteristic lifts these wines above the simple sipping wine made by large producers in the area, to a weightier, more complex white, with a distinct touch of minerality.

The best examples of Soave Classico are charming wines with notes of honeydew melon and white flowers; most are unoaked. While they are immediately appealing upon release, they can be enjoyed for an additional seven to ten years (or longer) after releases. Most offerings of Soave Classico are in the $18-$25 range, making them excellent values. (Wine/Appellations)