Wines Unspecified Suavia - Monte Carbonare - 2023

Suavia’s Monte Carbonare 2023 is a pure expression of Garganega, the emblematic grape of the Soave hills in Veneto, north-eastern Italy. Crafted with careful selection of grapes from old vines rooted in volcanic soils, the wine is fermented in stainless steel to preserve its aromatic integrity and natural freshness. The 2023 vintage benefited from a cool spring and a warm, dry summer, resulting in excellent fruit concentration and well-balanced acidity. This Soave stands out for its luminous straw-yellow hue and its taut, mineral-driven character with notes of white stone fruits, citrus zest, elderflower, and a subtle almond undertone. The palate is vibrantly fresh, showcasing a delicious salinity and a long, precise finish characteristic of top single-vineyard Soaves.

The Veneto region boasts a winemaking tradition that dates back centuries, famed for its diversity and innovation. The hills around Soave, just east of Verona, offer an extra dimension: their soils are volcanic, which imparts a unique mineral backbone to the wines. The local climate is temperate, with breezes from the Lessini Mountains and proximity to Lake Garda helping to moderate temperatures, while well-draining soils ensure vines must delve deep for nutrients. This combination of geology and microclimate brings finesse and tension to the Garganega grape, and Monte Carbonare is widely considered a benchmark for the region.

Monte Carbonare’s vivacity and minerality make it a wonderful partner for a variety of dishes. Classic pairings include Venetian risotto with seafood, grilled lake fish, or calamari lightly fried. The wine also shines with asparagus risotto, light vegetable tempuras, or fresh goat’s cheese. For a more regional option, try it alongside baccalà alla vicentina (creamy salt cod with polenta) or delicate pasta primavera.

For serving, allow the bottle to chill to around 8-10°C in order to highlight its freshness and precision. Enjoy in medium-sized white wine glasses, and if possible, open the wine a few minutes before tasting to allow the aromatics to emerge fully. Monte Carbonare is delicious now but will also evolve gracefully over the next 3-5 years, developing greater complexity.