2023 Cantine Pra Otto Soave Classico, Veneto

Energetic, mid-weighted Soave. Delicious drinking. Prosaic in the best sense, with attractive notes of garden herbs, aniseed and freshly sliced Asian pears. Some unresolved CO2 adds to the easygoing length. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap.

90 points jamessuckling.com

Cantine Prà Otto Soave Classico is a beautifully defined white wine that speaks clearly of its volcanic origins and the quiet brilliance of its winemaker, Graziano Prà. The name “Otto” is a nod to the vineyard’s cadastral map number, but it has also become synonymous with the purest and most precise expression of Garganega from the Soave Classico zone.

Graziano Prà is one of the leading voices in Soave’s modern renaissance. Working with family vineyards in Monteforte d'Alpone, at the heart of the Classico zone, he’s spent decades proving that Soave can stand with the great whites of Europe. His approach is deeply respectful of the land, focusing on low yields, organic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar.

The Otto Soave Classico comes entirely from high-altitude vineyards, some up to 250 metres above sea level, planted on black basaltic volcanic soils. These soils, rich in minerals and draining beautifully, give Garganega its trademark finesse, floral lift and salty backbone. The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed, then fermented and aged on lees in stainless steel tanks. No oak is used, preserving freshness and purity.

On the nose, it’s scented with white flowers, chamomile, yellow apple, lemon peel and a trace of almond skin. The palate is elegant and mouthcoating, with flavours of ripe pear, pink grapefruit and stone dust. The finish is clean and almost saline, making it feel refreshing yet serious.

Otto is a wine that quietly builds in complexity with time in the glass. It’s a versatile food companion—pair it with prawn risotto, grilled squid, artichoke frittata, goat’s cheese, or even sushi. It can age gracefully for several years but is typically enjoyed for its youthful vibrancy and clarity.