The land of wine and the Soave route
The territory of Soave is spread on the hills on the east part of Verona and its closeness to the main roads such as the Serenissima highway and the railway station allows a growing development during the years. Today it is one of the three most visited places after Lake Garda and Verona.
After Recioto di Soave wine received the DOCG label, the area has been divided into three areas with the same surface. The area of Soave Classico is the most ancient, it is the native production area of Soave that enclose the municipalities of Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone.The second zone is called Colli-Scaligeri that is 2400 hectares wide and encloses the territory of San Martino Buon Albergo and Roncà. Finally, the Soave DOC is located down in the valley in the plainest territories. Soave territories are characterized by volcanic origins and for this reason they are rich in minerals that give the characteristic aromas to the wine. This is the perfect habitat to cultivate the Garganega wine variety. Thank to this the wine has a beautiful straw yellow colour, with floral and fruity aromas, perfectly balanced and harmonious with a characteristic bitter aftertaste.
Soave route
Soave route covers almost 50km and it able to enhance the value not only of the wine but also of all the other typical products. In the last years all the accommodation have been refurnished to welcome the tourists in the best way. The tours have been studied perfectly to enhance the beauty and the value of the artistic and environmental masterpieces. Castles, vineyards and capitals make the journey most fascinating letting know not only wine, but also Prosciutto Crudo di Soave, Sopressa Veronese, Monte Veronese Cheese and Vialone Nano. Wine shops, wineries, restaurants and welcome facilities to discover the real essence of Soave. All the menus foresee dishes prepared with local excellences.
Tour among Soave Castles
The first itinerary foresees a tour among vineyards and castles. Starting from Soave, the city where stands the Castle on the Tenda Mountain. Along the street historical buildings, castles and churches follow one another. Here it is possible to admire masterpieces of the famous artists that lived in these places after the year 1000. In Borgo Bassano stands the Sanctuary of “Madonna della Bassanella” where a precious fresco of the local painter Adolfo Mattielli is situated. Other frescos are located in churches along the route and it is possible that they belong to Giotto school. In particular, the Crucifix in the Church of San Felice is an example of art of the ‘400 and it is well known also in Dalmazia.
Along the Soave Route there are numerous wayside shrines
The second itinerary is 10 km long. Along the road there are numerous worth visiting shrines, witness of the ancient art. Starting from Monteforte d’Alpone on the road to Valle dell’Acqua the first shrine that you find represent a Madonna with Child. Then another shrine has the name of San Pietro, on the right of the Soave Castle that you can admire once the valley becomes flatter. The route is full of shrines that show the way to the tourists. Particular is Christ in Cross located inside a triangular corner supported by a column. After visiting the San Rocchetto shrine and going on S. Antonio Hill you come back to the starting point.
A plain route from Soave to Monteforte d’Alpone
S. Antonio Abate Church is the first artistic site that you find; the church hold a Christ made of wood of ‘500. Another masterpiece is Palazzo Vescovile that has been subjected to a refurbishment that last 18 years during 1400; inside there is a beautiful cloister with Loggia, a well and a courtyard as example of artistic perfection. In Roncà there is an interesting Museum of Fossils to not miss. The route continues along the creek Alpone up to Colombara and the wonderful vineyards of the Soave hills to reach Monteforte d’Alpone.
