La Battistelle 'Montesei' Soave Classico DOC 2024

This Soave comes from 70-90 year old vines on volcanic terraces, giving it a mineral complexity that sets it apart from mass-produced Italian whites. The ancient, porous volcanic soil imparts a distinctive mineral edge and the classic bitter almond finish that defines authentic Soave. Unlike many commercial Italian whites that prioritise easy drinking, this wine showcases the true character of the Soave Classico terroir with its textural depth and regional authenticity.

Old vines like these 70-90 year old plants produce smaller yields but more concentrated flavours because their deep root systems access minerals and nutrients younger vines cannot reach. The volcanic terraces of Soave Classico force these ancient vines to work harder, developing complex flavour compounds over decades. This results in wines with greater depth, minerality, and the kind of textural complexity that comes only from vines that have truly established themselves in their environment.

Skipping malolactic fermentation preserves the wine's natural acidity and bright, citrusy character that makes it so refreshing. This technique keeps the wine's mineral edge sharp and maintains those distinctive white peach and floral notes without the buttery softness that malolactic conversion would create. Combined with four months on lees for texture, this approach delivers a wine that's both crisp and complex - perfect for the Mediterranean-style drinking the producer describes.

The wine's mineral backbone and bitter almond finish make it exceptional with seafood, particularly shellfish and grilled fish where the volcanic minerality complements oceanic flavours. The bright acidity cuts through rich olive oil-based dishes, while the textural complexity from lees ageing provides enough body to handle more substantial preparations. Think risotto with seafood, crudo, or even roasted vegetables - the wine's freshness and mineral edge enhance rather than compete with delicate flavours.

The steep volcanic terraces of Soave Classico create a unique microclimate where the porous volcanic soil provides excellent drainage while retaining essential minerals. This terroir contributes directly to the wine's distinctive mineral edge and gives it that 'taste of place' that separates authentic Soave from generic Italian whites. The volcanic influence, combined with the old vine concentration, creates the bright citrus and white peach flavours while adding the signature bitter almond finish that defines great Soave.