Don’t Overlook Soave; Otto by Pra is a Gem
Like many people, my impression had been shaped by the oceans of inexpensive, anonymous wine that flooded the market in the latter half of the twentieth century. Afterall, it’s called Soave; it’s easy, not complicated or very good. It wasn't until I started tasting the wines of producers like Prà that I realized just how wrong that perception had been.
Today, I don't hesitate to put Cantina Prà among the two finest producers in the appellation. If someone asks me for the bottle that offers the best introduction to great Soave, this is where I begin. The 2025 "Otto" Soave Classico reminds us what Soave was always capable of becoming.
Garganega is one of Italy's great white grapes, but only when it is planted in the volcanic hills of the Classico zone and farmed with care. Graziano Prà has spent decades proving exactly that. His vineyards sit on ancient volcanic soils that naturally produce wines with verve rather than simple fruit. The winemaking is equally restrained, allowing the character of the vineyard to speak clearly.
There's citrus, white peach, fresh flowers, and a subtle almond note that is unmistakably Soave. Underneath it all is a vein of minerality that gives the wine both structure and length. Nothing sticks out. Nothing feels exaggerated. Every element is in balance.
That balance is why this has become one of our house favorites. We bring it in every year because it always delivers exactly what we hope it will: a white wine that is refreshing enough for a Tuesday evening, interesting enough to pour for your most wine-obsessed friends, and affordable enough that opening a second bottle never feels like a bad decision.
There are wines that are exciting because they're rare. Others because they're expensive. And then there are wines like Otto—the ones you find yourself buying over and over again because they never let you down. Like an old friend, they just keep sticking around in a comforting way. Those are often the best wines of all.
