Uncorking the Flavors of Italy with Bella Venezia

For a country that produces over 45 million hectolitres of wine each year, we don’t really see a lot of Italian wine in Australia. Perhaps that’s because we’re a parochial bunch – as over 80% of wine consumed by Australians is Aussie made. Italy is still the world’s biggest wine-producing nation with daylight – to Spain in second, just ahead of France in third. Australia ranks fifth on the global stage (by volume). And I think it’s a shame that our mainstream bottle shops stock so few Italian wines. Perhaps that’s a product of the supermarket-owned outlets prioritising the higher margin domestic brands. But if you’re ready for an oenological adventure, there are plenty of palate-pleasing red and white wines imported from the country shaped like a boot, that will be sure to impress.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Stefania Angelini, the head sommelier at one of my favourite Sunshine Coast restaurants, Bella Venezia in Mooloolaba. Stefania is an Italian national, born in Ferrara in the Emilie-Romagna region, and has worked around the world since she obtained her Sommelier Diploma with the Italian Sommelier Association in 2001. Her talents were recently recognised when Bella Venezia once again won “Best Queensland Wine List” in the 2022 Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, as well as the “Best of Award Excellence” in the 2022 Wine Spectator Awards. So, Stef is well-positioned to know a thing or two about Italian wine – and her favourite Italian white on their impressive list – Pieropan Soave Classico 2021.

Soave is a style from the Venetto region in the northeast of Italy. For Soave to meet the requirements to be a Soave Superiore DOCG wine, it must meet strict criteria, which include a requirement for it to contain at least 70% Garganega and the balance to be Trebbiano di Soave, Pinot Bianco or Chardonnay. The rules also require that vines have a maximum yield of 10 tonnes per hectare and a minimum alcohol level of 11%. The lower-level Soave DOC has similar requirements but allows up to 15% Trebbiano di Soave and a yield of up to 14 tonnes per hectare, and an alcohol content of at least 10.5%.

The Pieropan Soave 2021 attains the Classico DOC label. It shows a delightful straw yellow colour in the glass with a greenish tint on the edges. The nose sees lemon meringue and nougat seemingly waft around pear and pineapple notes. Take a sip, and granny-smith apple and lime nuances emerge, and a chalky texture tantalises the taste buds. Its ripeness of fruit is a mouth-filling pleasure, while racy acids tighten the finish and leave a dry, enduring crispness. You’ll find it hard not to take another sip. Or pour another glass! Such a graceful and generous wine; and it’s organically certified! It’s a great all-rounder – perfect on its own as an afternoon tipple, or an ideal partner for spicy Asian cuisine.

The Pieropan Soave is one of the lucky Italian whites to grace the shelves of some of the majors. You’ll also find it at Wine Emporium in Brisbane or, if you’re dining out, on the list at Bella Venezia on the Sunshine Coast.