Soave has come a long way since 1970s when the market was saturated with versions from large industrial producers. A few dedicated vintners paid attention to detail, lowered yields, and today’s Soave bears no resemblance to the innocuous versions of the genre from yesteryear. One of our consistent favorites from what one might call the new age Soave is from Inama.
They have been growing grapes in the region since Roman times, with the DOC being established here in 1968. Garganega is the principal grape but the appellation allows for Trebbiano di Soave as well as Chardonnay to be grown. The secret to the best Soaves is using only Garganega, farming modest yields, and having prime vineyards in the Classico zone. Giusseppe Inama realized this early on and starting pruchasing small plot within the designated area in the 1960s.
The 2019 Inama Soave is one of the most compelling versions we have had from a producer that has been a staple around here. It simply has more of everything. Floral notes, pear, and white stone fruits invite you in via the very attractive nose. The same flavors, plus a subtle streak of minerality (the soils are red clay and volcanic tufo) present themselves on the palate. There is weight, substance, and freshness, the type character that can only be achieved through careful farming and meticulous winemaking.
No tricks here. This is a clean, naked wine at a sensational price ($12.98). It also has an enthusiastic review from James Suckling, “Dried-apple and pureed-pear aromas follow through to a dense, full body with layers of fruit and intense flavors. Such focus and purity. Benchmark, classic Soave. …93 Points.” Fire this up with some white wine fare and they will sing together.