2025 Tamellini Soave DOC, Veneto

Tamellini is a small family estate devoted almost entirely to Soave, founded by brothers Gaetano and Pio Tamellini in the late 1990s. Rather than treating Soave as an anonymous everyday white, the family has concentrated on Garganega and the character of the hills east of Verona. Their wines tend towards freshness and clarity, with the gentle almond and mineral notes that make good Soave such an easy bottle to put on the table.

Garganega is naturally well suited to the Veneto’s warm summers, retaining acidity while slowly building flavour. The 2025 is very much about youthful energy rather than weight, with bright citrus and orchard fruit supported by a subtle savoury character. It is uncomplicated in the best possible way: refreshing, food friendly and considerably more interesting than its modest price point might suggest.

Pale straw yellow with green highlights. Fresh pear, yellow apple and white peach lead the nose, joined by lemon zest, acacia blossom and a touch of fennel. The palate is dry and lively, with juicy pear and citrus through the centre, a gentle chalky texture and just enough weight from the Garganega. Lemon, fresh herbs and a characteristic bitter almond note shape the clean, refreshing finish.

Fritto misto with prawns, calamari and zucchini would disappear rather quickly beside a bottle of this. Also excellent with spaghetti alle vongole, grilled sardines with lemon, ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers or a simple plate of prosciutto and melon. Our pick is the fritto misto, piping hot with a serious squeeze of lemon.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030.