Borgo dei Ciliegi

Borgo dei Ciliegi takes its name from the borough of cherry trees, and the wine comes from Soave in the Veneto.

Soave is one of Italy's most misunderstood appellations. It was made in enormous quantity and indifferent quality through the second half of the twentieth century, and its reputation has never fully recovered, but the hills of the Classico zone sit on ancient volcanic basalt that gives Garganega a mineral, smoky character worth seeking out. The grape itself is late-ripening and naturally high in acidity, with a distinctive almond note on the finish.

Garganega is the same variety as Grecanico Dorato on Etna, which DNA analysis established only recently, and it is one of the oldest cultivated grapes in Italy.