Italy: North-East whites, including Soave
2015: Gold 2 Silver 2 Bronze 5 Commended 1
2014: Gold 2 Silver 4 Bronze 0 Commended 1
You’d think, with such a wine list staple in its boundaries, that this section would be all about Soave. In fact, prior to this year, you have to go back to 2010 to find the last time Italy’s ubiquitous white made it on to the Gold List – something of a damning reflection on what’s been coming out of the region of late. So to have two was a good result – especially since they were backed up by plenty of well-priced cheapies and some of the more ambitious styles that our tasters found so stimulating.
FOOTNOTE: Includes wines from Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia & Veneto.
From the Tasting Teams
‘People think they know about Soave, but it depends what you want from it: some are more fruity, some more funky and oxidative. There were one or two that had smells like fresh straw, wool and bread dough.’ Laurent Richet MS, Restaurant Sat Bains
‘A lot of Soave can be insipid, but when they get it right they are the most delicate, exciting and floral wines. They are subtle but have elegance and make you sit up a bit straighter.’ Jade Koch, team leader
‘I am old enough to remember when every Soave was just neutral – now they have really moved into the interesting foodie-wine category.’ Richard Brookes, Caroline Catering