Wine is produced in every region in modern day Italy.
Italy is the world's largest producer of wine with approximately 710,000 hectares of vineyard cultivation.
Italians rank fifth in the world's wine consumption drinking an average of 42 litres per capita per year.
There are dozens of grape varieties that are made into Italian wine.
While Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Friulano, Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo are among the many Italy wines grown both in that country (and in other places including Australia) there are many more varieties and some of these are gaining greater popularity with Australian wine-drinkers.
One Italian wine finding more support from white wine drinkers across the globe is Soave (named after the region in which it is grown).
Soave is a dry white wine from the Veneto region in northeast Italy, just near the city of Verona.
The main grape used in the production of Soave is Garganega, although Trebbiano and Chardonnay are also used to produce this wine.
Soave Classico was first delineated by authorities in Veneto in 1927, encompassing 1100 hectares of hillside vineyards.
As with many wine-making regions, the area producing Soave has increased as it has become more popular.
The best Soave is called Superiore and it comes at a significant price. However the Soave Classico is also considered a fine white wine which goes well with food such as seafood, risotto, prosciutto, hard cheese and salads.
A new secret message open to all Members & Friends of the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza - everyone who sends an email to jimyoung3@icloud.com by Monday 9 March will go into a draw to win a bottle of Soave Classico.
Just head the email "Soave Draw"
The draw will take place at our dinner meeting on Tuesday, 10 March.
One of our Vocational guest speakers at our 3 March meeting was Marcus Tacon from Mt Eliza Fine Wine Merchant. From time to time Soave may be purchased at that store.
