Garganega
Garganega may well be a grape you are not too familiar with – or at least you don’t think you are. Heard of Soave? Well, Garganega is best known for being the primary grape used in these wines – in fact it has to make up at least 70% of it to be labelled Soave. This Italian beauty is the 5th most widely planted grape in the country making it a very popular choice. Used to produce both dry and sweet wines, and even sparkling, this versatile grape has lots to offer.
Garganega Tasting Notes
Peach
Melon
Lemon
Honey
Garganega is a wine of many layers. On the nose, expect to find melon and white peach, with some herbal notes too. These flavours remain prominent on the palate, however they are intertwined with more citrusy nuances, and sometimes hints of almond. Garganega can age well too, and when done so the wine can develop richer flavours with the nutty notes becoming more pronounced.
Garganega Style
Medium-bodied White Wine
Bone Dry SweetBest known for being used to make Soave and Gabellara in Veneto, this grape is generally dry with a medium to light body, accompanied by medium to high acidity. This bright acidity means Garganega can age well and develop a much more indulgent character with intense flavours. This grape can also be used to produce sweet wines within the Soave and Gabellara regions where they are referred to as ‘recioto’. These take on a different style and palate, often with a rich texture and concentrated aromas of honey and spices.
Wine Regions
Italy
Of course, as you will have guessed by now, Garganega is most commonly found in the Vento region of Italy. Outside of Veneto you will find few plantings in Umbria and Friuli. It has also been discovered more recently that the Grecanico grape found in Sicily is identical to the Garganega grape meaning it is also commonly grown on this island. Throughout the rest of the world, very few regions have taken on this white grape. A few plantings can be found in the Barossa Valley in Australia but that’s really about it!
Which food goes with Garganega
Garganega produces wines with class, and therefore it only deserves to be served alongside a sophisticated dish. Scallops are a great match, as the minerality of the wine pairs well with the freshness of the scallops whilst the acidity in the wine helps to enhance those delicate flavours. Of course, Italian wine with Italian food is always a superb combo, so a lovely light Chicken Alfredo pasta is also a good way to go. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the creaminess of the sauce creating the perfect balance.
