Garganega

By Paul Caputo

Garganega is a white grape variety common to northern Italian regions such as Veneto and Lombardy. It is one of the main constituents of Soave and often blended with other varieties such as Pinot Grigio or Trebbiano di Soave.

There are also a handful of producers using Garganega to make natural wines. The most notable example is Angiolino Maule at La Biancara. Not only are his wines amazingly fresh and vibrant, they can age for many years.

Vinorandum rated wines made from Garganega

Soave DOC “La Capelina”

Cantina Franchetto, Veneto, Italy

2018

Garganega (100%)

“Enticing nose of pear and citrus with cut aromatic herbs. On the palate there is unctuous stone fruit; peach melba and apricot, submerged in a round, almost creamy mouthfeel. It’s all lifted and kept deliciously fresh with bright acidity. Full of mineral character and shows an impressive, concentrated finish oozing personality and complexity.”

91 Paul Caputo

Soave DOC “La Rocca” Classico

Pieropan, Veneto, Italy

2020

Garganega (100%)

“Intense nose of citrus and succulent stone fruit. Waves of complexity follow, with scents of broom, pear, spicy perfumes and tropical touches of mango. Deep and ripe yet unnervingly lifted and elegant. The palate is round, creamy, polished, but lashed at by sprays of barbed acidity. It finishes with a long, modestly concentrated deluge of pineapple, almond, flint and lime. Top wine and one of the greats of the appellation.”

93 Paul Caputo

Soave DOC “Vigneto du Lot” Classico

Azienda Agricola Inama, Veneto, Italy

2016

Garganega (100%)

“An intense yellow colour in the glass, it’s a peculiar but versatile wine. Structurally impressive, it’s a food friendly wine with attractive floral notes and then prominent notes of new French barrique. It’s another break from the region’s style, but one that works exceptionally well.”

90 Paul Caputo

Soave DOC Classico

Azienda Agricola Inama, Veneto, Italy

2016

Garganega (100%)

“Gentle wine with an attractive floral nose. This is well balanced in the mouth with a light touch on the finish.”

89 Paul Caputo

Soave DOC “Vigneti di Foscarino” ClassicoFoscarino

Azienda Agricola Inama, Veneto, Italy

2020 2018 2017 2016

Garganega (100%)

“Tasted with five years of age to it, the nose offers a brooding compote of melon, honey, and brioche with scents of camomile and hazelnut. Moorish texture, conspicuous bâtonnage, with balanced, integrated acidity. Still going strong with life ahead of it. Complex and enduring finish worthy of reflection.”

92 Paul Caputo

Soave DOC “Le Cervare”

Azienda Agricola Zambon, Veneto, Italy

2017

Garganega (100%)

“Waxy, lemony nose with strong salinity gives way to a textured, almost creamy palate lifted with racy acidity and closes with a moderate finish of citrus and stone fruit.”

89 Paul Caputo

Soave DOC “Monte Tenda” Classico

Gianni Tessari, Veneto, Italy

2018 2017

Garganega (85%)Trebbiano di Soave (15%)

“Attractive floral nose with subtle almond and orchard tree fruit gives way to a round, almost creamy mouthfeel. Fresh acidity lifts notes of apple and citrus to finish with almond and the faintest touch of wild herb.”

88 Paul Caputo

Verona IGP “Terra Gialla”

Cantina Giovanni Ederle, Veneto, Italy

2015

Garganega (60%)Chardonnay (40%)

“Golden colour with seductive mellow notes of cooked pear, bruised apple, hazelnut, almond and flowers. The palate is soft and sapid, inevitably tamed by six years of age to it. A round, harmonious, elegant palate.”

90 Paul Caputo

Bianco di Custoza DOC “Ca' del Magro”

Monte del Frà, Veneto, Italy

2019 2018 2016 2015

Garganega (40%)Trebbiano Toscano (20%)Incrocio Manzoni (15%)Cortese (10%)

“Stronger apricot notes starting to develop. Fairly tropical with time in the glass, mango and pineapple come through. Remains elegant, and airy, lots of white flower and lemon rind to stand up to notes of saffron and white pepper. Mineral character more evident that in younger vintages. A structured white with lots of potential.”

93 Paul Caputo