Balestri Valda Soave Classico 2023 | Veneto, Italy

Super fresh, fruity, and textural - it's unlike the classic bulk Soave that our parents told us stories of, back when University was free and a house could be bought for 2 shillings and a farthing.

Producer: Balestri Valda

Region: Soave, Veneto, Italy

Grapes: Garganega

Delicate aromas of orchard fruits, orange zest, wildflowers, and river stones. Opens up on the very first sip (and never stops), with an energetic mineral core surrounded by peach, apricot, crispy pear and red apple, a touch of lime, and a fresh herbs.

Super fresh and textural on the palate, crisp mineral acidity that runs from start to finish, with a gently smooth texture. Finishes with stony minerality.

Delicious drinking and wonderfully food friendly with everything from fish to Vietnamese.

THE ESTATE

“We say no to chemicals and grow our vines and olive trees according to the principles of organic viticulture with every agricultural practice being an expression of our deep respect for nature and harmony with our ecosystem. That’s why we started beekeeping with enthusiasm. Our happy bees prove that protecting biodiversity is possible and a duty we take on with pleasure.”

That quote perfectly sums up Laura’s project. She is the latest custodian of a precious hillside right in the heart of Soave with some very important holdings in the tiny cru of Sengialta (‘Sengio’ in local dialect refers to basalt rock).

Soils are rich, dark and volcanic, vineyard exposures are southern and at altitudes ranging from 180 - 300m. Laura and her father concentrate on low yields from Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave, and their winemaking is always inspired by a respect for their precious terroir and heritage. This place gives the peak expression of native grape Garganega.