At a glance

Producer

Cantina di Soave

Region

Veneto, Italy

Grape variety

Garganega (primarily, with possible Trebbiano di Soave)

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$8-15 USD (historical retail, current secondary market value negligible)

Tasting profile

Likely muted aromatics, possible oxidative notes (sherry, bruised apple), faded citrus and almond from its youth, little remaining freshness.

Evolution: Originally light-bodied, with bright citrus and almond notes; time would have softened acidity and diminished fruit, potentially developing nutty or honeyed notes if well-cellared—though most bottles would now be tired.

At peak: At peak, offered crisp green apple, white blossom, almond, mineral nuance; should be evaluated with very modest expectations at this age.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high when young; significantly diminished with age

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

Typically 11.5-12.5% ABV

Aging potential

Intended for early drinking, best within 1-3 years from release

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2013 to 2014

Optimal window

2013 to 2015

Current status

past prime

Current condition

Over the optimal drinking window for a standard Soave DOC; likely oxidized or faded in freshness if not perfectly cellared. Fresh bottles may show surprising integrity if from impeccable storage, but generally considered far past its prime.

Soave DOC wines at this level from a large cooperative like Cantina di Soave are vinified for immediate consumption. The 2012 Re Midas would have shown best by 2014. Past 10 years, especially for a standard (non-classico, non-superiore) bottling, only well-cellared bottles might offer interest, but most will be past their best.

Food pairing

No longer recommended for most pairings. If drinkable, try with soft, mild cheeses or simple seafood to avoid highlighting age-related faults.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Large cooperative with publicized focus on sustainable water management, solar panel installation, eco-friendly packaging, integrated pest management, and reduction of synthetic inputs. However, the 2012 vintage predates the group's most visible green initiatives.

Cantina di Soave is a major cooperative producer that has transitioned many practices toward sustainability—energy conservation (solar), significant investments in eco-friendly bottling and reduction of chemical inputs. No organic or biodynamic certification for this specific wine and vintage. Large-scale production and some conventional viticulture lower its ultimate sustainability rating relative to best-in-class organic estates, but overall practices and continuous improvement efforts warrant a favorable score.