Suffice it to say, a description of its aromas and flavors doesn't do it justice. You've just gotta try it.

But if you haven't up to this point, you're not to be blamed. For a long time, the Soave region of northern Italy made mediocre white wine, thanks to over planting and a priority on quantity over quality. That's now changing, and wines like this one are becoming available.

Sadly, "available" is relative. Yes, Prà Soave is being exported (I found it), but it's far from Gallobiquitous.

Ask your local purveyor of fine or even not-so-fine wine for this Soave gem, imported into the U.S. by Vinifera Imports. If they can't get it, go for another Soave. Ask the wine buyer what s/he likes and take it for a taste drive. It's a region worth exploring.

If there's no Soave in the whole store, save for the Gerardo song playing over the speaker, leave immediately, complain loudly about Gerardo playing in your store, and go for the BV Carneros chard.

Cheers,
TSW

* - Chimp Wine is a WoW designation signifying a no-brainer, must-buy wine (as in, "You'd have to be a chimp not to buy this wine.").

Want a quality white? Beaulieu Vineyards 2002 Carneros Chardonnay. It's great, and you'll find it everywhere. (If you still have the '01 at a store near you, go for it. It's maybe better.)

But, as good as that chard is, it's never floored me like this wine did. I love this beautiful, seductive Soave so much that I should apologize to my wife. I should, but she loves this wine as much as I do. (That two-timer!)

The nose on this pale gold Italian is a stunning mix of flowers, bright fruit, yeast and minerals. The fruit hides behind the other qualities just a bit, but there's some nice citrus and stone fruit in there.

On the palate this white has a rich mouthfeel when served just below room temperature. This works wonderfully with the sweet citrus (lemon honey) and touch of pineapple flavors and earthiness.

If you've never had Soave, it's a bit like viognier, but definitely has its own mojo.