Soave - Recorbian - Franchetto

The Soave Superiore DOC Recorbian by Franchetto demonstrates that Soave — too often reduced to a simple, forgettable white wine by large distribution — can be a wine of genuine territorial character, complexity and longevity when it comes from the hands of a serious artisan producer who respects the variety and the terroir.

Franchetto is the same Lessini hills winery that produces the Lessini Durello Borgoletto and the Lessini Durello Metodo Classico — an artisan Veronese estate that works with dedication and consistency on both sparkling and still wines, always with a respectful approach to the territory and indigenous varieties. The Recorbian is Franchetto's Soave Superiore — the name likely recalls a specific parcel or locality within the Soave DOC area — and brings to the glass all the character of a pure Garganega patiently and respectfully aged.

The Soave Superiore designation implies grapes from more specifically qualified zones and a minimum ageing beyond the base Soave. Franchetto interprets this appellation with 12 months of ageing in stainless steel — a choice that preserves all the aromatic freshness and minerality of the Garganega without any wood interference — followed by a further 12 months of bottle ageing before release. In total two years from harvest to customer — a remarkable timeframe for a white wine at €16 that testifies to Franchetto's production seriousness. The 2022 vintage produced a Garganega of excellent ripeness with naturally well-preserved acidity.

Pure 100% Garganega is the indigenous variety of Soave — genetically identified as Trebbiano di Soave — and on the basaltic volcanic soils of the Soave DOC expresses a minerality and aromatic complexity unmatched among Veronese whites. On the nose the Recorbian is delicate but precise and layered: white wildflowers, white peach and nectarine, fresh almond, cedar, grapefruit, light aromatic herbs and a characteristic chalky and basaltic mineral note that is the signature of quality Soave on volcanic soils. On the palate it is fresh, sapid and structured for its type — a slightly creamy and enveloping texture, a precise natural fresh acidity, a persistent mineral salinity and a clean and long finish with floral notes, bitter almond and minerality. Serve at 11°C. A Soave Superiore that invites a second glass and surprises those who thought they already knew this wine.

At €16 for a 100% Garganega with two years of total ageing, this is one of the most interesting and competitive Veronese whites in the entire Emporio Divino catalogue.