Soave DOC / Soave Classico DOCG / Recioto di Soave DOCG

Technical Summary

• Classifications: DOC (Soave), DOCG (Soave Classico, Recioto di Soave)
• Legal status: Protected Designations of Origin under EU wine regulations
• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Geographic scope: Hillside and plains vineyards east of Verona; Classico zone is original volcanic hills
• Area under vine: ~7,000 hectares total; ~1,500 ha Classico zone
• Core products: Dry white wines; Recioto (sweet); Spumante

Hierarchy:

1. Soave Classico DOCG: Volcanic hillsides (original zone); highest quality tier
2. Soave Superiore DOCG: Extended area with higher standards than DOC
3. Soave DOC: Broader area including alluvial plains
4. Recioto di Soave DOCG: Sweet wine from dried grapes

Verified Constraints:

• Minimum 70% Garganega
• Maximum 30% Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco
• Classico DOCG yield: 70 hl/ha
• DOC yield: 84 hl/ha

Regulatory Constraints (Verified)

Ampelographic Composition

Principal variety (mandatory):

• Garganega: Minimum 70%

Complementary varieties (authorized):

• Trebbiano di Soave: Up to 30%
• Chardonnay: Up to 30%
• Pinot Bianco: Up to 30%
• Combined complementary: Maximum 30%

Yield Limits

Soave Classico DOCG: 70 hl/ha Soave Superiore DOCG: 63 hl/ha Soave DOC: 84 hl/ha Recioto di Soave DOCG: 50 hl/ha (pre-drying)

Minimum Alcohol

Soave DOC: 10.5% ABV Soave Classico DOCG: 11.5% ABV Soave Superiore DOCG: 12% ABV Recioto di Soave DOCG: 12% ABV (actual; high RS)

Geographic Distinctions

Classico Zone (DOCG):

• Original demarcated area (1927)
• Volcanic basalt soils
• Steep hillsides
• Historic villages: Soave, Monteforte d’Alpone

Extended Zone (DOC):

• Alluvial plains
• Higher yields permitted
• Simpler wines generally

Recioto di Soave DOCG

• Air-dried grapes (appassimento) for 3-6 months
• Botrytis may contribute
• Minimum residual sugar: 70 g/L
• Minimum actual alcohol: 12% ABV
• Aging: Minimum 1 year

Enological Implications

Evidence-backed:

• Volcanic (basalt) soils in Classico zone produce mineral, structured wines
• Garganega’s characteristic almond finish develops from volcanic terroir
• High natural acidity retained; pH management rarely needed
• Appassimento concentrates sugars and develops complexity for Recioto
• Pergola training traditional; manages Garganega vigor

Operational observation:

• Sur lie aging emerging for premium Classico wines
• Oxidation management critical for fresh styles
• Protein stability essential (bentonite fining)
• Late harvest (October) for optimal development
• Plains production (DOC) often blended/bulk; quality varies significantly

Frequent Compliance Risks

• Garganega minimum: 70% required; over-reliance on Chardonnay risks declassification
• Zone claims: “Classico” requires 100% from Classico zone vineyards
• Yield compliance: Classico 70 hl/ha; DOC 84 hl/ha
• Recioto sugar minimum: 70 g/L RS required
• Quality perception: Reputation damaged by high-yield plains production; premium Classico distinction important

Cru/Vineyard Designations

UGA (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive) system introduced:

• Single-vineyard and cru designations available
• Examples: Frosca, Monte Grande, Castelcerino, Carbonare
• Requires stricter production standards

Relevant Grape Varieties

• Garganega - principal variety (70% minimum)
• Trebbiano di Soave - traditional blending component
• Chardonnay - international variety (up to 30%)

References

• Consorzio Tutela Vini Soave e Recioto di Soave (2019). “Disciplinare di Produzione.” https://www.ilsoave.com

• European Commission (2024). “eAmbrosia - EU Geographical Indications Register: Soave.” https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eambrosia

• Italian Ministry of Agriculture (2019). “Soave DOCG Production Regulations.” Link

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Last Updated: January 6, 2026