2003 Tommasi Vigneto Le Volpare Soave Classico
Summers in northern Italy are awash in Soave Classico, much of it watery and undistinguished. But when this white is made well, it can be a revelation.
Tommasi’s Soave Classico, from the single vineyard Le Volpare planted on the steep limestone slopes of Soave, is a terrific example. Ripe and concentrated, it has a zingy crispness that makes it perfect summer drinking. It’s 100% Garganega and a bargain at the price.
It’s tremendously food friendly, too, great with raw or steamed shellfish, with grilled fish, and any kind of fish stew. Introduce a bottle to anything Asian or fusion. It could be a love match.
--S. Irene Virbila
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Quick swirl
Region: Veneto
Price: $10
Style: Aromatic and crisp
Food it goes with: Shellfish, seafood pasta, grilled fish, cioppino and other fish stews. Also Asian food and fusion.
Where you find it: Pascal Epicerie in Newport Beach, (949) 261-9041; Vintage Wines Limited in San Diego, (858) 549-2112; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454, (800) 76WINEX; the Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111; Wine Country in Signal Hill, (562) 597-8303; the Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731.