If you are a wine lover, you may be familiar with the Italian white wines Soave and Pinot Grigio. Both are refreshing, light-bodied wines that are perfect for a summer afternoon or a warm evening. But what sets them apart? Which one should you choose? In this article, we will explore the differences between Soave and Pinot Grigio and help you decide which one is right for you.
Soave Wine
Soave is a white wine that comes from the Veneto region in northeast Italy. The wine is made from the Garganega grape, which is grown on the hillsides around the town of Soave. The grape has been grown in the area since Roman times, and the wine has been produced since the Middle Ages. Soave wine was once a popular wine in Italy, but in the 1980s and 1990s, it lost its reputation due to overproduction and low-quality wines. However, in recent years, the quality of Soave has improved, and it is once again gaining popularity.
Here are some characteristics of Soave wine:
Characteristics of Soave Wine
- Soave is a dry, light-bodied wine with high acidity.
- It has the aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and almonds.
- Soave is typically unoaked, which means that it does not have the flavours of vanilla or toast that are found in oaked wines.
- Soave is best served chilled and pairs well with light dishes such as seafood, salads, and pasta with cream-based sauces.
- Soave can be enjoyed young, but some Soave wines can age well for up to ten years.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a white wine that is originally from the Friuli region in northeast Italy, but it is now widely produced throughout Italy and around the world. The wine is made from the Pinot Grigio grape, which is a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Grigio is a popular wine, especially in the United States, and is often associated with light, refreshing wines that are easy to drink.
Here are some characteristics of Pinot Grigio:
Characteristics of Pinot Grigio
- Pinot Grigio is a dry, light-bodied wine with high acidity.
- It has aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and pears.
- Pinot Grigio is typically unoaked, which means that it does not have the flavours of vanilla or toast that are found in oaked wines.
- Pinot Grigio is best served chilled and pairs well with light dishes such as seafood, salads, and pasta with light sauces.
- Pinot Grigio is best enjoyed young and does not generally improve with age.
Soave vs. Pinot Grigio
Soave and Pinot Grigio have some similarities, such as their high acidity, light body, and lack of oak flavours. However, there are some significant differences between the two wines that are worth considering when choosing which one to drink.
Flavours and Aromas
One of the main differences between Soave and Pinot Grigio is the flavours and aromas that they have. Soave has aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and almonds, while Pinot Grigio has aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and pears. Soave has a more complex flavour profile than Pinot Grigio, with a subtle nuttiness and minerality that is not found in Pinot Grigio. However, Pinot Grigio is often preferred for its simplicity and straightforward flavours.
Ageability
Another difference between Soave and Pinot Grigio is their ageability. Soave wines can age well for up to ten years, while Pinot Grigio is best enjoyed young and does not generally improve with age. This is because Soave wines are made with the Garganega grape, which has high acidity and a good balance of sugar and tannins, which allows it to age well. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is made with a grape that has less acidity and fewer tannins, which makes it less suitable for aging.
Food Pairings
Both Soave and Pinot Grigio are versatile wines that pair well with a variety of foods. They are both light-bodied wines with high acidity, which makes them great for pairing with seafood, salads, and pasta dishes with cream-based or light sauces. However, Soave’s subtle nuttiness and minerality make it a great pairing for richer dishes, such as chicken with mushroom sauce or risotto with truffles, while Pinot Grigio is best suited for lighter dishes, such as grilled fish or a simple green salad.
Price
Another factor to consider when choosing between Soave and Pinot Grigio is the price. Soave wines are generally more expensive than Pinot Grigio wines, with some high-end Soave wines costing over $50 a bottle. This is because Soave is a less well-known wine than Pinot Grigio, and because it is often made in smaller quantities. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is a more widely produced wine that is often sold at a lower price point.
Conclusion
Soave and Pinot Grigio are both great Italian white wines that are perfect for a summer afternoon or a warm evening. They are both light-bodied wines with high acidity and lack oak flavours, which makes them versatile and easy to pair with food. However, there are some significant differences between the two wines that are worth considering when choosing which one to drink.