Gini Soave Classico 2008

A bright, golden robe is the first sign of the aromatic, luscious, personality filled wine that follows. The 2008 Gini Soave Classico is scrumptiously delicious. It offers a beguiling bouquet of apricot, cherry blossoms, and dried honey. And on the palate, Gini is pure magic; its velvety fruit fills the senses. Yet, this iconic Soave never loses its subtle minerality and gentle acidity. Moreover, the 2008 Gini Soave Classico exits with a delightful citrus twist and a dash of almond as its command performance that makes one beg for more. We suggest serving this super-charged Soave between 40º-45º F.

A flavorful, medium-bodied wine, the 2008 Gini Soave Classico clamors for an audience. So, whether it is just a clean glass, a plate of tasty hors d’oeuvres, or some delicacy of the deep blue sea, Gini’s Soave Classico is ready and willing to please. Caviar, smoked salmon with capers, and cheese and herb stuffed mushroom caps provide several of our favorite appetizer companions to the 2008 Gini Soave Classico. As main course accompaniments we suggest sautéed grouper in a coconut curry sauce or a classic rendition of Charleston Shrimp and Grits. Creamy cow, sheep, and goat’s milk cheeses offer superb accompaniments to this wine, too. Gouda and lightly smoked cheeses also pair especially well with the luxurious exuberance of this exceptional, estate bottled Soave. Enjoy!

The Gini estate is one of those rare gems that turn up in what seems, at least at first glance, to be the most unlikely of places. In Gini’s case, Soave is the locale in question. Yet, Soave fashions some of Italy’s most tantalizing white wines, and it is only on account of the size and repute of some of the industrially made Soaves from the flat lands that consumers are sometimes surprised and delighted when confronted with authentic Soave the likes of Gini. In the hands of brothers Sandro and Claudio Gini, Gini now reigns as Soave’s iconic producer. All of Gini’s Soave comes from supreme hillside vineyards in Soave’s Classico zone. And although one does not hear talk on this side of the Atlantic about single vineyards and grand crus when speaking of Soave, the winegrowers and producers in this picturesque corner of Italy’s Veneto acknowledge two such sites: La Frosca and Col Foscarin. Gini has had vineyards in both crus for centuries. Working a little more than 50 acres of prime hillside vineyards, Gini’s herculean efforts have greatly aided in re-establishing the reputation of Soave as one of Italy’s finest and most enjoyable white wines. In addition to producing outstanding Soave Classico from 100% Garganega grapes (Soave’s most illustrious varietal), Gini also fashions tiny quantities of barrel fermented La Frosca from the cru of the same name. The Gini brothers also turn out an outstanding sparkling wine called Grand Cuvée Brut Millesime that they age for 48 months on the yeast. Small quantities of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other varietals are grown at the estate as well, but not for Soave.