Soave and the Wines of Le Battistelle

Though Italy’s red wines often snag all the glory, the country’s white wines can be phenomenal—with dozens of native grapes and styles, there’s truly something for every type of white wine lover. And, yes, there’s much more than Pinot Grigio out there! Soave is a white from the Veneto region in northeast Italy, and it’s one that has been long misunderstood in the U.S. Much like its PG brethren, we often get the light, crisp, and uncomplicated versions on our shelves in the States. But, it’s all where it’s grown and who’s growing it. One of our favorites, Le Battistelle, from the Soave Classico region, produces several that we’re quite keen on: the 2018 "Battistelle" Soave Classico, a serious white with round stone fruit and distinctive mineraity on a textured palate and high acidity; and the 2019 "Montesei" Soave Classico, a lighter, more fresh and lively version that is great with white fish or ceviche.

In the video below, K&L Hollywood’s John Downing dives a bit deeper into the region and the producer.

And in the next video, we have Italian Buyer Greg St. Clair explaining to the staff (in a tasting from last year—back when we could still hang out and drink wine together!) the differences between Soave and Soave Classico, and what makes the wines of Le Battistelle so special.

- Kate Soto