Pra 'Otto' Soave

This 20 hectare estate in the commune of Monteforte D'Alpone in the very heart of the Soave Classico district is run by Graziano Pra. Universally regarded as one of a handful of world-class producers in Soave who have revitalised the region, Pra's 5 wines, all based on Garganega, cover a wide spectrum of styles and flavours. The most celebrated is the opulent Monte Grande, awarded 'Tre Bicchieri' 5 years in a row. Arguably the latest release, the intense, incisive, unoaked 'Staforte' takes the range to new heights but for us the most impressive achievement is the delicious 'basic' Soave Classico, described in the 2007 Gambero Rosso guide as 'an absolutely magnificent wine of which every wine enthusiast should have a few bottles tucked away'. Fresh, flowery and subtly tropical nose with a touch of wood smoke. The palate is attractively textured and juicy, showing zesty 'leesy' intensity and a hint of almonds. Richly-flavoured and concentrated with a crisp, incisive and mineral finish.