Level 2 · Wine & Spirits Exam Prep
Italian White Wines
The diversity of Italian whites from Pinot Grigio to Soave.
Topics covered
- Pinot Grigio DOC
- Soave
- Gavi
- Verdicchio
Level 2 Study Guide
Chardonnay — World Styles
Quick Revision
- Soave (Veneto): Garganega, dry, almond
- Gavi (Piedmont): Cortese, crisp, citrus
- Pinot Grigio: Veneto/Trentino, light, neutral
- Falanghina: Campania, aromatic, citrus
- Verdicchio: Marche, high acid, almond
- Greco di Tufo: Campania, full, mineral
Key Facts for the Exam
- Pinot Grigio (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige): light, dry, crisp, neutral — one of Italy's most exported whites
- Soave (Veneto): made from Garganega; dry, light, almond, peach, lemon blossom
- Gavi (Piedmont): made from Cortese; crisp, dry, citrus and peach — elegant northern Italian white
- Falanghina (Campania): aromatic, citrus, peach; good acidity; from southern Italy
- Verdicchio (Marche): high acid, citrus, almond, herbal; often unoaked; great with seafood
- Greco di Tufo (Campania): full-bodied, mineral, stone fruit; one of southern Italy's finest whites
Level 2 Exam Tips
- 1.Know Soave = Garganega grape from Veneto. Gavi = Cortese grape from Piedmont.
- 2.Italian whites tend to be food-driven: high acid, neutral flavours complement food rather than shine solo.
- 3.Pinot Grigio/Gris in northeast Italy (Trentino) can be more complex than basic Veneto examples.
- 4.The South (Campania) produces characterful whites from indigenous varieties — Greco, Falanghina.
Common Exam Mistakes
- ✗Thinking all Italian white wines are Pinot Grigio — Italy has dozens of important indigenous white varieties
- ✗Confusing Soave (Garganega, Veneto) with Gavi (Cortese, Piedmont)
- ✗Underrating southern Italian whites — Greco di Tufo and Falanghina are serious quality wines
Key Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Soave wine?
- Soave is a white wine DOC from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. It is made primarily from Garganega, a local grape variety, and is known for its dry, delicate style with notes of almonds, white peach, and lemon blossom. Classic Soave (from the original zone) is often considered superior to wines from the extended production area.