"These Soaves embarrass most of the industrial swill that emerges from this region." –Robert Parker
The Gini family has roots in the Soave Classico region dating from the eighteenth century, and owns 25 hectares of vineyards situated on the very best hillside position of the appellation. Extremely low yields, low-interference viticulture, and devoted attention to expression of the particular crus results in wines that are not only among the greatest Soaves but also among the great white wines of all Italy. Olinto Gini and sons Sandro and Claudio have now finally completed their beautiful new cellar, which extends deep into the rocky and tufaceous hillside of Monteforte d'Alpone, thus providing optimal natural temperature and humidity control.
Both tradition and the modern are reflected at Gini. The hand-harvested Soave Classicos are 100% Garganega, though many in the zone blend in other varietals to compensate for shortcomings of less-than perfect grapes. Both the Soave Classico and the single-vineyard "La Frosca" (which received 90 pts from Tanzer for the 2006 vintage, and three glasses in the 2008 Gambero Rosso guide) are vinified in stainless steel. The rich, concentrated "Salvarenza", from a tiny plot of 80-year-old vines within the La Frosca vineyard, is matured in barriques (92 pts Tanzer for the 2005 vintage.) The Re Nobilis is a rare representative of a botrytized style Recioto, northern Italy's version of a German TBA, while the Recioto Col Foscarin is a delightful desert wine, also great with cheese.
Vineyard Practices: At the estate, "natural agriculture" is carried out – Gini is certified organic. The vines maintain a low production and adhere to biodynamic standards (pruning occurs in accordance with the moon's phases). Integrated insect and disease control is followed. Insecticides are not used. Copper and sulfur-based products control fungus and manure fertilizes the soil. Spontaneous cover crops (grass cover) are left between the rows of vines, the grass cover is mowed and the turf is left in place (the soil is not tilled). Very low doses of SO2 are added to the wine only after fermentation and before bottling in order to preserve the product.
Farming Practice:Certified Organic
17b
Italy » Soave Superiore
Wine Enthusiast 94 Editor's Choice "Hands down one of Italy's best whites, this boasts alluring white flower and yellow stone fruit scents. The enveloping, delicious palate delivers
43dItaly » Soave Classico
Wine Enthusiast 95 Cellar Selection "Made with grapes from vines that are over 100 years old, this dazzling white opens with heady scents of yellow spring flowers,
Vinous Media 91 "Vivid straw-yellow. Delicious aromas of herbs, lime, almond kernel and jasmine. Bright, dense and juicy, with a glyceral but vibrant mouthfeel and very
Vinous Media 93 "Shows green mango with lime and wet stone. Full and fresh with a persistent finish. Oily and rich. Ripe wine. Beautiful. A big
Decanter 97 "Broad, ripe and fleshy with ripe yellow plums, integrated oak and notes of flowers, saffron and anise. The palate shows amazing freshness and a
Decanter 97 "If Sandro Gini’s exquisite wines are not better known, it might have something to do with his self-effacing modesty, or perhaps with the generally
James Suckling 95 "Wow. This shows really impressive concentration yet it is vivid and lively. Full body with masses of fruit and tangy acidity. It lasts
Wine Enthusiast 94 WE TOP 100 2014 Rank 81 Cellar Selection "Made from 55-year-old vines, this Soave is one of the flag bearers of the denomination. It opens
Wine Advocate 90 "The 2011 Soave Classico La Frosca shows greater momentum and intensity, with bold tones of apricot and yellow rose. That extra year of
Robert Parker 92 "Ginis 2008 Soave Classico La Frosca is a gorgeous example of first-class Soave. Apricots, peaches, flowers, seashells and light honey meld together in
Stephen Tanzer 90 "Gold-tinged yellow. Almond, fresh herbs and ripe pear on the sexy nose. Big, smooth and rich, this balanced Soave has lots of flavor
Wine Enthusiast 93 Cellar Selection "Year in year out, this wine is always one of the best Soaves and the 2013 is no exception. Elegant and impeccably
Wine Advocate 92+ "A beautiful wine, the 2012 Soave Classico Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne represents one of the best wines made in this appellation. The aromatic
Wine Spectator 90 WS TOP 100 2017 Rank 69 "A lithe, light-bodied white, with racy acidity and a subtle steak of mineral, layered with nectarine, melon and
THE WINE 100% Garganega, the top quality of Gini’s fruit makes it possible to avoid blending in any other grapes such as Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc,
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