PRA - Soave "OTTO" Classico 2023 750ml D.O.C. (12% ABV)

The Prà winery, although only started in the early 1980’s, has come to be one of the top producers in the Soave appellation. The winery is run by Graziano Prà, whose family owned their vineyards for generations but never commercialized the wines in bottles. The vineyards are situated in the heart of the appellation, in Monteforte D’Alpone. 

The Prà holdings consist of 30 HA in Soave Graziano was always a big believer in natural viticulture and its positive effect on the wines and has farmed organically since the outset. His vineyards in Soave as well as in Morandina in Valpolicella are certified organic. All grapes are harvested by hand both in Soave and Valpolicella.

The terroir in Monteforte d’Alpone in Soave features classic, very black, volcanic soils which help to impart an underlying power and minerality to the wines. As Ian D’Agata of Vinous points out, “Prà is especially adept at ensuring the wines also showcase a remarkable degree of finesse.”  Much of the plantings were done in the late 70’s, so the average vine age is quite high, especially for the region. Additionally, Graziano was one of the first to see the higher potential of certain sub-parcels in the appellation – for both complexity and ageability – and began producing vineyard-designated wines in Soave early on before it became popular in the region among the better producers. His single-parcel,  Monte Grande, in fact was first produced in 1988, and he has since added two other special “Garganega Selection” Soaves, Staforte and Colle Sant’Antonio, each with its own unique formula both in the vineyards and the cellar.

The Soave line-up begins with the Otto, which is a blend of multiple parcels between 30 and 60 years old, and aged on its lees in tank for 4-5 months. Some of the fruit for the Otto comes from the Monte Bisson zone which is a more limestone rich soil compared to the other soils of Soave which are mainly volcanic. Graziano feels the limestone give more tension and acidity to the wine whereas the more typical volcanic soil gives a bit more body as well as salinity and minerality. 

Given the pedigree and underlying material of these Soaves, these wines can age and improve for an extended period of time. 

Garganega Sourced from vineyards in the Soave Classico zone of Monteforte d'Alpone. Orientation Southeast at 150 to 250 meters in elevation  .Soil Volcanic soil. Viticulture Hand harvested. Practicing organic. Age of vines 30 to 60 years.  Vinification Fermented in stainless steel. Aging Aged in stainless steel for about six months.

region

varietal

style

farming/cellar

pairing