Gini Soave Classico 2015

Gini enjoys an enviable reputation among consumers and critics alike for consistently turning out the most hedonistic of all Soaves and by most accounts the very finest of all Soaves. With that said, the 2015 Gini Soave Classico deserves a special place of its own, as it ranks as the finest Gini we have tasted in the two decades we have been sampling wines from this superbly run estate. It has been awarded numerous 90+ point ratings, including 92 points from James Suckling. The 2015 vintage was warm and dry in Soave, which allowed the late ripening Garganega to develop fully, in both aroma and flavor. The 2015 Gini Soave also sports Garganega’s tell-tale golden robe with more than a hint of the sun’s radiance. Yet, it is this Gini’s enticing aroma, resplendent with the scents of acacia flower, cherry blossoms, quince and yellow plum, that is utterly seductive. On the palate, the 2015 Gini continues to work its magic. Soft, velvety fruit flavors mingle with floral, mineral and spice tones to make for a memorable gustatory interlude. And as an encore, the wine’s gentle minerality and superb acid balance combine to offer a positively glowing aftertaste, which lingers harmoniously long after the wine has slipped surreptitiously down the throat. Although some may prefer the 2015 Gini Soave Classico ice cold, we suggest serving the 2015 Gini Soave Classico at a more moderate temperature (40º-45º F) in order to capture the fullness of the wine’s expression.

The 2015 Gini Soave Classico makes a splendid aperitif, as many in our tasting panel will attest. Yet, Gini’s rich flavors and subtle charms lend themselves equally well to the finest fare. Seafood appetizers such as seared tuna on cucumber rounds with a touch of saffron aioli, or smoked salmon with capers, cucumber, onion, and cream cheese provide all the complement one needs with Gini’s delicious Soave Classico. For those looking to dine with Gini, we suggest such classics as Scallops al Soave, pan seared scallops topped with a lemon, butter, and white wine sauce that is served with spinach tossed with pasta in a creamy sauce. Charleston Shrimp and Grits provide another classic pairing to the 2015 Gini Soave Classico. 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 rich flavors and velvety texture of this Gini 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 delicious 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 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 Gran Cuvée Brut Millesimato 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.