From the 2019 harvest, the 33 Soave crus will appear on the label, thanks to the necessary publication of the production code amendment in the Official Journal of the European Union. The names of the Additional Geographical Units (“UGAs”) — 28 crus in the Classico zone, 2 in the volcanic zone of Roncà, and 3 in the limestone hills of Val d’Illasi and Mezzane — can be used by Soave producers to promote the organoleptic typicality of grapes coming from different soils.
Wines with the indication of UGAs and vineyards, approved by decree by the Veneto Region, will soon be on shelves and in restaurants. In total, 23 Additional Geographical Units have been claimed so far across 270 hectares of the denomination, “a sign of the involvement and shared commitment of all producers in this journey,” emphasizes the Soave Protection Consortium.
These are Broia, Brognoligo, Carbonare, Castellaro, Castelcerino, Colombara, Costalunga, Coste, Costeggiola, Fittà, Foscarino, Froscà, Menini, Monte Grande, Pigno, Pressoni, Sengialta, Tenda, Volpare, Zoppega, Duello, Paradiso, and Roncà – Monte Calvarina.
“We can only be happy with the result,” explains Sandro Gini, president of the Consortium. “Most producers have seized the opportunity to differentiate their quality production through the Geographical Units and vineyards, and we hope there will soon be many opportunities to take this story around the world.”
The process of introducing the Additional Geographical Units began 30 years ago with careful mapping work, which led to zonation and then to the study of the soils. “A fundamental preparatory work for the characterization of individual crus,” highlights the Consortium, “which have been defined both by their pedoclimatic characteristics and their history, which in some cases has roots in the Napoleonic era.”
