The Cantina di Monteforte co-op is situated in the eastern part of Soave Classico. They have 1,200 hectares in total, many in Soave Classico, where they have some of the best vineyards, and some outside of the Classico zone. 60% of their vineyards are on the hills, facing south and south-east, which gives wines that are riper and fuller than most others produced in Soave. The co-op has 600 members and harvests about 20,000 tonnes of grapes a year. Cool breezes blowing down the Alpone Valley, from the foothills of the Dolomites to the north, give warm days and cool nights, which help with the accumulation of aromatic characters in the grapes. Matt Thomson works with winery director Gaetano Tobin to produce these wines. We believe the two Soave Classico wines from Monteforte represent some of the best value in our portfolio. Soave is currently undervalued, so wines of this quality, if produced in other areas, would fetch significantly higher prices. The ‘Terre di Monteforte’, from the vineyards in the eastern part of Soave Classico, is unoaked and has an attractive waxy and minerally fruit that shines through in the glass. The ‘Vigneto Montegrande’ is one of the best Soave Classicos produced. A small portion of the blend is fermented in oak, giving the wine more complexity and depth. The 2018 vintage in Soave began with a cold and rainy winter and a relatively wet spring, which replenished water reserves in the soil. This was followed by a hot and dry summer, during which the grapes ripened at a steady pace, accumulating great intensity of flavour whilst retaining a vibrant acidity. The 2018 harvest was abundant with average yields from the hillside vineyards and above average yields from the vineyards on the plains. Pale gold in colour, this wine opens with a fresh, scented nose bursting with stone fruits and the characteristic almond blossom notes of a top quality Soave. Honeyed, waxy and complex on the palate, with a lovely citrus twist on the finish.