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What is Recioto di Soave DOCG?
Recioto di Soave DOCG is a luxurious sweet wine from the Veneto region, crafted primarily from the Garganega grape using the ancient appassimento method—where grapes are naturally dried to concentrate their sugars and aromas. Rich, golden, and honeyed, this wine is Italy’s first white wine to be awarded DOCG status (1998), marking its importance in Italian viticulture.
History and Origins
The tradition of making Recioto di Soave stretches back over a thousand years. Ancient records show that monks and local farmers in the hills east of Verona prized the naturally sweet wines from sun-dried grapes. The name Recioto comes from recie (“ears” in local dialect), referring to the upper “ear-shaped” grape clusters on the vine—considered the ripest and most flavorful.
By the Middle Ages, Recioto di Soave was a wine of ceremony, often poured at noble banquets. Today, it remains a wine of celebration, though production is small compared to Veneto’s famous dry whites.
Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
Recioto di Soave DOCG is produced in the hilly volcanic and limestone soils of the Soave Classico zone, east of Verona. These vineyards, often terraced, benefit from:
- Volcanic soils rich in minerals → lending elegance and minerality
- South-facing slopes → optimal sun exposure for ripening
- Cool breezes from the Lessini Mountains → preserving acidity and aromatic freshness
This terroir gives Recioto di Soave its unique balance of sweetness, freshness, and complexity.
The Grape
Primary grape: Garganega (minimum 70% as per DOCG rules)
Permitted blending grapes: Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco (up to 30%)
Garganega’s naturally high acidity is key—it prevents the wine from tasting cloying, balancing its honeyed sweetness with citrus lift.
Winemaking & DOCG Regulations
To earn the Recioto di Soave DOCG label, producers must follow strict regulations:
- Grapes harvested by hand, selecting only the ripest bunches
- Grapes dried (appassimento) for at least 4–6 months in well-ventilated drying rooms (fruttai)
- Minimum alcohol: 12%
- Residual sugar: Typically 90–120 g/L, giving pronounced sweetness
May be still (tranquillo), sparkling (spumante), or slightly fizzy (frizzante)
The long drying period concentrates sugars and aromas, creating notes of dried apricot, honey, and candied citrus.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Wine Type | Sweet white dessert wine |
| DOCG Status | 1998 |
| Primary Grape | Garganega |
| Alcohol | 12–14% |
| Residual Sugar | 90–120 g/L |
| Aging Potential | 10–20 years |
| Serving Temp | 10–12°C (50–54°F) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep golden yellow
Nose: Aromas of dried apricot, honey, acacia blossom, candied citrus, almond
Palate: Lusciously sweet yet fresh, with flavors of marmalade, peach compote, tropical fruit, and subtle minerality.
Finish: Long, elegant, with a citrus-honey echo.
Serving & Pairing
- With desserts: Almond biscotti, panna cotta, pastiera napoletana
- With cheese: Gorgonzola dolce, aged Asiago, blue cheeses
- With savory: Foie gras or pâté for a decadent starter
- Occasions: After-dinner digestif, celebration toasts, winter fireside sipping
Pro tip: Serve chilled but not too cold to allow the bouquet to open fully.
Where to Buy & Pricing
Recioto di Soave DOCG is a niche wine, often available in specialty wine shops or high-end online retailers. Expect:
- Standard 375ml half-bottle: €15–€30
- Aged vintages & top producers: €40–€80+
Look for trusted names like Pieropan, Coffele, and Tamellini.
FAQ on Recioto di Soave DOCG
Q: Is Recioto di Soave the same as Soave?
A: No—Soave is typically dry, while Recioto di Soave is sweet, made from dried grapes.
Q: How long can I cellar it?
A: 10–20 years for top vintages; sweetness and acidity ensure longevity.
Q: Can I cook with it?
A: Yes, but better to drink—its complexity is best enjoyed in the glass.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- The ancient appassimento method is also used in making Amarone della Valpolicella—but for red wines.
- Recioto di Soave was once a wedding gift wine in rural Veneto.
- The DOCG allows sparkling versions, though rare and mostly found locally
