Is "Soave" the grape or the appellation?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
Is "Soave" the grape or the appellation?
—Rick, via the Internet
Dear Rick,
It's the appellation, mainly. Soave (pronounced "SWAH-vay") is a dry white wine from the Soave DOC, or designated winegrowing area, of the Veneto region in northeast Italy. The wine is made from at least 70 percent Garganega grapes, with the remainder comprised of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and/or a rare grape called Trebbiano di Soave.
—Dr. Vinny
