Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes exclusively from estate-owned hillside vineyards at Castelcerino di Soave, in the historic Soave Classico zone, at elevations of 200–450 metres.
Grapes
100% Garganega. Le Sponde is certified as an organic wine.
Vinification
Harvest takes place entirely by hand between late September and October. The vineyards are revisited several times so that only the ripest, healthiest and loosest bunches are selected. The fruit is handled carefully and placed in small wooden boxes to avoid breakage before being taken to a dedicated drying room, the fruttaio.
The bunches are suspended on special nets and remain there until at least the end of the following March. Throughout this appassimento period they are checked every day, with any imperfect berries removed. The long drying process gradually shrivels the grapes and concentrates their sugars and flavours.
The dried grapes are pressed very gently, extracting only the finest portion of juice. The must then ferments in small oak barrels, some new and some previously used.
Ageing
Fermentation and maturation take place in small new and used oak barrels for 10–12 months, followed by a further 2 months in bottle before release. The Italian presentation describes the barrel period as 12 months.
Technical data
- Alcohol: 12% vol.
- Total acidity: 6.00 g/L, expressed as tartaric acid
- Residual sugar: 154.20 g/L
- pH: 4.05
- Net dry extract: 40.30 g/L
Tasting profile
Intense, luminous golden yellow. The warm, intense and persistent bouquet unfolds through persimmon, apricot, dried fig, papaya and candied citrus, followed by caramel, freshly ground coffee and a distinct note of dried Garganega skin. The palate is sweet and soft yet balanced by lively acidity, with a fresh, fruity and notably long finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 11–12 °C and uncork a few minutes beforehand. For a sweet pairing, choose apricot sponge cake or another cake made with dried fruit. Savoury alternatives include Stilton, Roquefort or aged Monte Veronese, the latter optionally topped with a little honey.
