Corte Mainente Soave Vigna Cengelle 2024

Soave can be so okay-ish sometimes. It's fine, frequently forgettable. Which is why it's so exciting when you come across one that actually makes your tongue dance and radiate sparkles. One like this one.

Corte Mainente is teeny-tiny. Just over 10 hectares, tucked near the Scaliger Castle of Soave. Basically nobody knows them outside the region. But Ugo Mainente's two sons are now in the picture, and I have a feeling that's about to change.

Their Vigna Cengelle is mostly Garganega with a splash of Trebbiano di Soave. The vines are at the foot of Monte Tenda, trained the old Veronese way. Pergola. Little trees of vines making a beautiful landscape. About 35 years old on average. Harvested in October, fermented and aged in cement, bottled in spring. No oak. No nothing.

It smells like white blossoms, water pear, a little bit like salty preserved lemons. The palate is veeeery fresh and crisp. We feel like we'll be sipping on this all spring and summer long. We can't wait. Neither should you.