ecioto di Soave is the first wine from Veneto to have obtained the D.O.C.G. appellation.Recioto is a very ancient wine. In a letter written in the 5th century, Cassiodorus, the learned minister of Theodoric, describes a sweet white wine from Verona that is very similar to Recioto Soave. According to his description, this wine had to be made from grapes grown on "domestic pergolas" and hung in sheltered rooms during the winter months, after which it was vinified into a "beautiful, clear white wine that looks as if it were obtained from lilies."
Recioto is a word in the dialect of Verona. It derives from "recia," which is the upper part of the bunch of Garganega grapes - the part that is most exposed to the sun. A little before the harvest, the best grapes are selected for drying on racks. They are then dried for a period of four to six months, during which the grapes are carefully tended and cleaned, before being pressed. While drying, a characteristic mildew is formed on the grapes that conveys a typical aroma to the wine.
Recioto di Soave is yellow-gold in color with a complex aroma reminiscent of acacia honey with a flowery scent and a well-balanced, full-bodied and velvety bouquet. It is best served with Pandoro from Verona and all sorts of biscuits and dry pastries. But it is also very good served with ripe cheese, like Monte Veronese. Recioto di Soave is a great wine for special occasions.
