Suavia

Brand Description

It probably would never occur to the Tessari Family to concentrate on anything other than Soave and its two native white grapes-Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave. The name Suavia harkens back to the pre-modern day references to Soave. (The Svevia-later Suavia-were a Germanic tribe that settled in this part of northeastern Italy after the fall of the western Roman Empire.) Vineyards have been in the Tessari hands since the late 1800's, but it wasnt until the early 1980's that the family redefined what growing quality grapes could be-tying clonal selection to site-specific areas, lowering Garganega's prodigious yields, and making the wines in tune with the terroir. Rigorous clonal research into the two white varieties has resulted in mono-varietal examples of each, both grown on pure extrusive basaltic ( black volcanic) soil; Monte Carbonare (Garganega) and Massifitti (Trebbiano di Soave).

Location of Vineyard

The vineyards of Suavia are located in the center of Soave's Classico zone. This the traditional, hillside terroir that has produced Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave for centuries. Elevations of roughly 1,000 feet and ancient, volcanic soils yield wines of structure and character. Garganega from this area is known to generate some of Italy's most exciting white wines. In youth, the wines have pure aromatic focus of ripe fruit, hay, a flicker of florality and a minerality veering toward whetstone sensibilities. As Garganega ages, these traits transform into wines where delicacy and complexity take center stage. The tale of Trebbiano di Soave is historically linked to the Veneto and genetically bound to the older variety Turbiana, grown around Lake Garda. Trebbiano di Soave offers significant acidity and sapidity, epecially when partnered with Garganega.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

Without exception, Suavia is one of the leaders in quality and terroir expression in this small, hilly zone to the east of Lake Garda. Although the family has been growing grapes in the hills of Soave Classico since the 1800's, it was only as recently as 1982 that the Giovanni and Rosetta Tessari began crushing grapes and producing their own wine. The couple built a modern and efficient winery in 1990 underneath the building that has been the Tessari family home since 1887. This facility was designed specifically for the production of white wine with the most advanced technology available. Now run by Giovanni and Rosetta's daughters, Meri, Valentina, and Alessandra, Suavia's focus is on using their state-of-the art facility to express the nuances of their native terroir through the lense of only those two grapes native to the zone; Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave.

 

Suavia, Alessandra, Valentina and Meri Tessari, Owners
Suavia, Alessandra, Valentina and Meri Tessari, Owners
Suavia, Alessandra, Valentina and Meri Tessari, Owners
Suavia, Alessandra, Valentina and Meri Tessari, Owners
Suavia, Alessandra, Valentina and Meri Tessari, Owners
Suavia, 80 year old Garganega vine, Le Rive Vineyards
Suavia Harvest
The village of Fittà where the winery is located surrounded by the best vineyards of the region
The sisters with Grandfather Giuseppe Tessari
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Winery Profile
Owner: Valentina, Meri and Allessandra Tessari
Winemaker: Valentina Tessari
Total acreage under vine: 30
Founded: 1982
Production: 18000000
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Acclaim
“This bright white is minerally on the nose, with lively acidity driving the well-meshed range of Honeycrisp apple and melon fruit. Shows aromatic accents of honeysuckle, clove and graphite.” — acclaim for 2022 Suavia Soave Classico from Wine Spectator, Oct 2024
“Juicy up front, this white is bright and well-spiced as it expands on the palate, with ripe nectarine, pear, tangerine and green almond flavors. A racy streak of smoke-and salt-laced minerality kicks in midpalate and through the mouthwatering finish, which offers pretty floral and herb notes.” — acclaim for 2020 Suavia Massifitti from Wine Spectator, Oct 2024
“There’s a broad feel to the well-meshed flavors of yellow apple, persimmon, pink grapefruit sorbet and blanched almond on display in this elegant white. At the same time, this bright version is trimmed nicely by well-cut acidity, with a crackle of sea salt-like salinity. Accents of tangerine zest, jasmine and warm spices play on the finish.” — acclaim for 2021 Suavia Monte Carbonare from Wine Spectator, Oct 2024
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