2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico – Veneto, Italy – 94 Points James Suckling

🏆 94 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING – EXTRAORDINARY OLD-VINE GARGANEGA FROM THE VOLCANIC HILLS OF SOAVE CLASSICO!

94 Points – JamesSuckling.com 

2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico – Veneto, Italy

 RRP $55

If you think Soave is simply a light, inexpensive Italian white wine, prepare to have your expectations completely transformed. The 2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico is a magnificent example of just how extraordinary this historic Italian wine region can be.

With an outstanding 94 points from James Suckling, this is a serious, beautifully crafted white wine from one of the most fascinating volcanic vineyard landscapes in northern Italy.

Produced by the Dal Bosco family at their remarkable estate in the heart of Soave Classico, this is a wine that combines old Garganega vines, steep volcanic hillsides, traditional pergola viticulture and a commitment to expressing the extraordinary character of the vineyard.

And at $55 a bottle, it represents a compelling opportunity to experience the sophisticated, mineral-driven side of Italian white wine.

The finest Soave Classico wines are among Italy's most underrated treasures.

At their best, they combine the fragrance of white flowers, citrus and orchard fruit with beautiful texture, savoury complexity and a distinctive volcanic mineral character.

They can possess the elegance of fine Chablis, the texture of serious Chardonnay and an individuality that belongs entirely to Garganega.

The 2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico is exactly the kind of wine that demonstrates why serious Italian white wine deserves far more attention.

Le Battistelle – A Remarkable Family Estate in Soave Classico

Le Battistelle is a small, family-owned estate situated in Brognoligo, within the historic Soave Classico production zone in the Veneto region of northern Italy.

The estate is run by the Dal Bosco family, whose connection to the vineyards and local winemaking traditions extends across generations.

For many years, the family cultivated grapes in the steep hills surrounding Brognoligo.

In 2002, they began producing and bottling wines under their own Le Battistelle label, allowing them to showcase the individual character of their vineyards.

The estate has developed a reputation for producing authentic, terroir-driven Soave wines with remarkable purity, structure and mineral complexity.

Unlike the large-volume commercial Soave wines that historically dominated international markets, Le Battistelle focuses on carefully farmed hillside vineyards and small-production wines.

The emphasis is firmly on Garganega, the noble white grape variety responsible for the finest expressions of Soave Classico.

Le Battistelle is exactly the kind of producer we love discovering at Liquid Vibe – small, family-owned, deeply connected to its vineyards and completely focused on quality.

Battistelle – A Spectacular Volcanic Vineyard

The Battistelle vineyard is one of the most distinctive sites farmed by the Dal Bosco family.

Situated on steep hillsides near Brognoligo, the vineyard occupies a landscape shaped by the volcanic geology that makes Soave Classico so fascinating.

These volcanic soils are an important part of the region's identity.

They provide a distinctive growing environment in which Garganega can develop beautiful aromatic definition, refreshing acidity and complex savoury characteristics.

The vineyard's steep slopes also create significant challenges.

Much of the work must be carried out by hand, requiring considerably more effort than would be necessary in flatter, more easily mechanised vineyards.

The vines are traditionally trained using the Veronese pergola system, a historic method of cultivation that remains closely associated with the finest hillside vineyards of Soave.

This system provides a canopy that can help protect the grapes from excessive sunlight while allowing them to develop flavour gradually.

The result is fruit capable of producing wines with remarkable balance and complexity.

This is not simply another Italian white wine. It is an expression of a remarkable volcanic vineyard that has been carefully cultivated for generations.

Garganega – One of Italy's Most Underrated Great White Grapes

Garganega is one of Italy's most fascinating indigenous white grape varieties.

Although it is best known as the principal grape of Soave, its potential extends far beyond the simple, inexpensive wines with which the region was once associated.

In outstanding vineyard sites, particularly those with volcanic soils and mature vines, Garganega can produce wines of extraordinary complexity.

The finest examples combine delicate floral aromatics, citrus, pear, white peach and almond characters with beautiful texture and mineral tension.

There is often a wonderful interplay between fruit generosity and savoury freshness.

Unlike highly aromatic varieties that immediately announce themselves with intense perfume, Garganega can be more subtle and nuanced.

Its appeal lies in the way different elements gradually emerge in the glass.

White flowers, citrus peel, orchard fruit, almond, herbs and mineral notes can combine to create wines of remarkable sophistication.

The best examples also possess excellent ageing potential, developing additional savoury complexity and richness with time in bottle.

For serious white wine enthusiasts, great Garganega is one of Italy's most rewarding discoveries.

Soave Classico – One of Italy's Great Historic White Wine Regions

Soave is situated east of Verona in the Veneto region of northern Italy.

The historic Classico zone occupies the hills surrounding the medieval town of Soave, where vineyards have been cultivated for centuries.

The region's landscape is particularly fascinating.

Steep volcanic hillsides, ancient vineyards and traditional pergola-trained vines create a distinctive environment for Garganega.

The finest hillside vineyards produce wines that can differ dramatically from the lighter, more commercial examples grown on the surrounding plains.

While inexpensive Soave can be pleasant and refreshing, the greatest Soave Classico wines possess impressive concentration, texture and complexity.

They are capable of competing with some of Italy's finest white wines.

In recent decades, a group of dedicated producers has worked tirelessly to restore the reputation of the region by focusing on individual vineyard sites, lower yields and more sensitive winemaking.

Le Battistelle is part of this important movement.

The 2023 Battistelle Soave Classico is a wonderful demonstration of the quality and individuality that the historic hillside vineyards of Soave can produce.

White Peach, Citrus, Almond & Beautiful Volcanic Mineral Complexity

The 2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico is a beautifully expressive example of serious Garganega.

The classic profile of this wine combines delicate orchard fruit, citrus freshness and a distinctive savoury mineral character.

Expect an appealing aromatic spectrum of white peach, ripe pear, lemon zest and delicate white flowers.

Subtle notes of almond, dried herbs and gentle spice add further complexity.

There is a fascinating mineral quality that reflects the volcanic character of the vineyard.

On the palate, the wine combines fruit generosity with refreshing acidity and beautiful texture.

The orchard-fruit flavours are complemented by citrus, savoury detail and a subtle almond-like character.

The finish is persistent, dry and beautifully balanced.

Rather than relying on excessive richness or obvious oak influence, the wine's appeal lies in its precision, complexity and vineyard expression.

This is the kind of white wine that becomes increasingly fascinating as it spends time in the glass, gradually revealing additional layers of fruit, texture and savoury complexity.

94 Points – JamesSuckling.com

A 94-point rating from James Suckling is an excellent endorsement of the 2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico.

James Suckling and his tasting team assess wines from many of the world's leading wine regions, including an extensive range of Italian producers.

A rating of 94 points places this wine firmly within the category of outstanding Italian white wine.

For a producer working with an indigenous grape variety in a historic volcanic vineyard, this recognition is particularly compelling.

It reinforces the remarkable quality now emerging from the finest estates of Soave Classico.

At a recommended retail price of $55 per bottle, this is a serious Italian white wine that offers an exciting alternative to more familiar varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.

94 points from James Suckling, a historic volcanic vineyard and one of Italy's most fascinating white grape varieties – an excellent combination.

A Wine for Lovers of Great Chablis & White Burgundy

For enthusiasts of fine Chablis and white Burgundy, serious Soave Classico can be a fascinating discovery.

Although Garganega is very different from Chardonnay, the finest examples can share certain stylistic qualities.

There is often a beautiful combination of citrus freshness, mineral precision, subtle orchard fruit and savoury complexity.

The best wines also possess impressive texture and length without relying on excessive oak influence.

The volcanic soils of Soave contribute a distinctive character that sets the region apart from the limestone landscapes of Burgundy.

But the underlying philosophy of great vineyard expression is very similar.

Just as the finest Chablis wines communicate the character of their individual vineyard sites, great Soave Classico can reveal the subtle differences between its historic volcanic hillsides.

If you appreciate mineral-driven Chablis, elegant white Burgundy or beautifully textured Italian white wines, Le Battistelle is a producer that deserves your attention.

A Magnificent Food Wine

One of the great strengths of serious Soave Classico is its remarkable versatility at the dinner table.

The combination of refreshing acidity, delicate fruit, savoury complexity and subtle almond notes makes it an outstanding partner for a wide range of dishes.

It is particularly well suited to seafood, including grilled prawns, scallops, white fish and delicate shellfish preparations.

The wine's texture also makes it an excellent match for risotto, particularly dishes featuring mushrooms, asparagus or seafood.

Traditional northern Italian cuisine provides many natural pairings.

Think risotto alla primavera, grilled branzino, fresh pasta with seafood or beautifully prepared vegetable dishes.

It can also work wonderfully with roast chicken, soft cheeses and lightly creamy sauces.

This is a white wine that deserves to be enjoyed with great food, allowing its complexity and texture to shine.

Soave Classico – A White Wine Worth Cellaring

One of the most underestimated qualities of serious Garganega is its ability to develop beautifully with bottle age.

While many inexpensive Soave wines are designed for immediate consumption, the finest examples from mature hillside vineyards can possess excellent ageing potential.

The combination of fruit concentration, natural acidity and savoury structure provides the foundations for gradual development.

With age, youthful citrus and orchard-fruit characters may evolve towards honey, dried herbs, toasted almond and more complex mineral and savoury notes.

For collectors who enjoy exploring the evolution of premium Italian white wines, serious Soave Classico can be particularly rewarding.

The 2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ is an interesting candidate for cellaring, although the ideal drinking window should be guided by the producer's recommendations and storage conditions.

Why We Love This Wine at Liquid Vibe

At Liquid Vibe, we have enormous admiration for the extraordinary diversity of Italian white wine.

Italy possesses some of the world's most fascinating indigenous grape varieties, yet many remain relatively unknown to Australian wine drinkers.

Garganega is one of the great examples.

For too long, Soave was associated primarily with inexpensive, uncomplicated white wines.

But the finest hillside vineyards of Soave Classico are capable of producing wines of remarkable complexity, texture and individuality.

Le Battistelle is exactly the kind of producer that demonstrates why this region deserves serious attention.

A small family estate, remarkable volcanic vineyards, traditional viticulture and an uncompromising commitment to Garganega.

The 2023 Le Battistelle ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico brings together everything that makes serious Italian white wine so exciting.

94 points from James Suckling. Old-vine Garganega. Volcanic hillside vineyards. A small, family-owned estate in the heart of Soave Classico.

At $55 a bottle, this is a wine that deserves the attention of anyone who appreciates fine Chablis, white Burgundy or beautifully crafted Italian whites.

If you have never experienced a truly great Soave Classico, this is an excellent place to start.

Wine Details

• Producer: Le Battistelle

• Wine: ‘Battistelle’ Soave Classico

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy

• Variety: Garganega

• Vineyard: Battistelle

• Soils: Volcanic

• Viticulture: Traditional hillside pergola-trained vines

• Style: Dry, mineral-driven Italian white wine

• Critic Rating: 94 Points – JamesSuckling.com

• RRP: $55 per bottle

• Food Pairing: Grilled seafood, scallops, risotto, roast chicken, white fish and northern Italian cuisine

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 10–12°C

• Cellaring: Enjoy young or cellar under suitable conditions to explore further complexity