Visiting Soave: Castle, Medieval Walls, and World-Class Wine
Soave, located in the province of Verona, is an enchanting medieval town surrounded by historic walls and dominated by an impressive Castle. Stepping through its ancient gates feels like entering a time capsule where history blends perfectly with modern life. Indeed, Soave is not just about its medieval Castle and ancient churches; it boasts a vibrant present shaped by endless, beautifully manicured vineyards. It is no coincidence that the name Soave is globally renowned for its world-class white wine.
The Origins of the Name
The name Soave is believed to derive from the word Suaves, meaning Suebi—an ancient Germanic population that settled in Northern Italy alongside King Alboin.
The Medieval Castle of Soave
Soave Castle was built at the beginning of the 10th century by Berengar I, King of Italy, to defend the territory against Hungarian raids. Over the centuries, the fortress changed hands several times: it first belonged to the Sambonifacio family, was briefly ruled by the infamous Ezzelino III da Romano, and then passed to the Scaliger family, who built the majestic defensive walls. It later fell under the control of the Visconti and Carraresi families, before finally becoming a Venetian possession in the 15th century.
By the 16th century, the castle proved inadequate against new military technology and artillery, leading Venice to lease it to the Greppi family. In the 17th century, the Republic of Venice auctioned the castle to fund its war against the Ottoman Empire, and the Greppi family officially purchased it.
In the following centuries, it was unfortunately used as a warehouse for agricultural equipment. Its revival began in the 19th century, thanks to Senator Giulio Camuzzoni, who initiated a meticulous historical restoration.
Today, the Castle features three inner courtyards. In the first, you can admire the ruins of an ancient Romanesque church. The second hosts a beautiful 1321 fresco depicting the Virgin Mary protecting the local people under her mantle. The third courtyard houses the keep (mastio), the military barracks, and the Captain’s quarters on the upper floor. From here, visitors can access the scout walkways (camminamenti di ronda) and reach the crenellated terrace atop the tower, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Verona countryside.
The Renowned Wines of Soave: Soave DOC and Recioto
Soave wine was among the very first in Italy to achieve D.O.C. status back in 1968. According to production regulations, it must be crafted using Garganega grapes (at least 70%), alongside Trebbiano di Soave, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay (up to 30%), with a maximum of 5% allowed for other non-aromatic local white varieties.
The Garganega grape is likely a cross between ancient Rhaetian varieties and Mediterranean grapes. While not overly aromatic, it delivers distinct notes of almond and white flowers. It is a late-ripening grape with a thick skin. The Soave wine region features a unique terroir of limestone, basalt, and volcanic soils. This rich volcanic origin sharply differentiates Soave wine from nearby Bardolino and Valpolicella. Classic Soave features a straw-yellow color with greenish reflections, a delicate bouquet, and a dry, pleasantly bitter finish.
"Vinum suave, nobile et pretiosum" (Sweet, noble, and precious wine)
With these words, Cassiodorus, a high-ranking official under King Theodoric, described the ancestor of Recioto wine in ancient times. The name Recioto comes from the shape of the Garganega grape clusters, which look like small ears—called "rece" in the local Venetian dialect.
The best grapes are handpicked and left to air-dry (appassimento) to concentrate their natural sugars. The wine is then aged in oak barriques to develop sophisticated aromas of vanilla and toasted almonds.
Soave website: http://www.comunesoave.it/.
Altitude of the Municipality: 40 m (zone: 3)