Review: Nardello Meridies 2013 Soave
- vinterest
- Jun 9, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Soave is definitely underrated in our opinion. Many people tend to throw it in the same bucket as high volume production chianti - which is a real shame. Yes it's DYA (drink youngest available) but damn is it smooth with crispy acidity and full flavour! The perfect accompaniment to lunch on a hot summer's day!
I was introduced to soave only last November at an Italian blind tasting. That evening it was a Bolla Classico 2013. Tonight is the Meridies from Nardello. The blend is 100% garganega grapes (though trebbiano di soave and chardonnay are permitted in varying percentages) and the ABV a comfortable 12.5%. Nardello is a family run estate with 14 ha under vine.
Soave is grown exclusively in the Veneto region in Verona, Italy. It was bordered off in 1931 and recognised in 1936 as the first DOC area in the Veneto region. The Nardello vineyards are located between Mount Zoppega at Monteforte and Mount Tondo at Soave, both within the prime Soave Classico zone.
Interestingly, soave saw a peak of popularity in United States during the mid-20th century Italian wine boom that followed the end of World War II. Driven by the marketing efforts of large producers like Bolla, Soave even surpassed Chianti in the 1970s as the largest-selling Italian DOC wine in the US. By the end of the 20th century, Soave's share of US sales were eventually eclipsed by pinot grigio and an influx of new wines from southern Italy.
This set us back EUR 18 but it retails in Italy for EUR 8.
The take: Light, very pale, lemony appearance. Transparent as water. The nose initially is sweet peach and grapefruit. With time floral with notes of apple, kiwi fruit and coconut. Plenty of acidity on the attack. thick, juicy, creamy, not a light summer white! Hints of banana and honey but little fruit. Fleshy. Restrained. Dry oak base. Nothing critical at all. My wife however thinks it's not so memorable ... not an easy one to please.
In closing: Simply delish, such good value!
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Italy
Region: Soave (DOC)
Producer: Nardello
Vintage: 2013
Grape: Garganega
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Serving temperature: 8 - 9ºC
Price range: Mid-range
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