The outstanding 2012 Soave Vigne della Bra possesses slightly more texture and creaminess along with lots of fresh lemon oil, melon and honeyed grapefruit characteristics in a medium-bodied, ripe, authoritative style. There is an intriguing minerality in the background. It is well-worth its $24 price. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. Both of these Soaves come from Cantina Filippi’s highest elevation vineyards. Both are stainless steel-fermented and aged with the single vineyard Vigna della Bra planted in predominantly limestone soils and aged 20 months in stainless steel on its lees (a surprisingly long time). The Castelcerino site is composed primarily of volcanic soils. Both are 100% Garganega, the indigenous Italian white varietal associated with Soave. Importer: Polaner Selections - Doug Polaner, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; fax (914) 244-0505

Even better is the 650-case cuvee of 2010 Soave Vigne della Bra. Like its sibling, it is 100% Garganega. It exhibits a white Burgundy-like texture along with notes of tropical fruits, caramelized lemon, and orange peel offered in a medium-bodied, authoritative, impressively rich style. It, too, should be enjoyed over the next several years. Despite owning this estate since the early 1900s, the Filippi family only began estate bottling in 2003. These organically farmed, high elevation vineyards are planted in rocky volcanic clay and some limestone. Doug Polaner is his name, and high quality wines in all price ranges is his game. I have been tasting with Polaner over a number of years, and these notes represent his very finest value selections. Importer: Polaner Selections, Doug Polaner, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel: (914) 244-0404; fax: (914) 244-0505