Pra Otto Soave DOC

The Garganega grapes are grown on Pra's 14 hectare estate situated near the town of Monteforte d'Alpone in the Classico sub-zone. The South East facing vineyards are at 150 metres above sea level and the soil is volcanic. The vines are around 30-60 years old and the Pergola Veronese training system is used. Planting density is 3,500 vines per hectare and the average annual yield is 100 quintals per hectare. The grapes are generally harvested at some point between mid September to mid October. The grapes are softly pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature (16 to 18 degrees Centigrade) in stainless steel vats. This helps to preserve freshness and aromas. Maturation takes place in tank on the lees until bottling in February of the following year to impart further complexity and flavours.

Graziano followed his father and grandfather into the wine business, studying oenonlogy, and taking over the family winery in the early 1980s. He bottled his first Soave vintage in 1983.

Graziano now also produces red wines from his La Morandina estate in Valpolicella, and his reputation continues to grow. He regards the higher, cooler, marl slopes of the La Morandina vineyard in the Valle di Mezzane as the new frontier of Valpolicella, and it allows him to adopt organic farming methods that don’t interfere with the natural balance established over time. Working organically for many years, his La Morandina and Soave vineyards are now formally certified organic. 

However, for many, his name is still synonymous with Soave - where he is regarded as one of a handful of world class producers who have revitalised the region.

Graziano Prà is a member of the Federazione Italiana Vignaioli Indipendenti (FIVI) – the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers – as well as of the Vignaioli del Soave association, both of which aim to respect the environment, implement less invasive winery practices, preserve the high quality of grapes and guarantee a certified supply chain for consumers.

Along side this Prà work inline with the garden-vineyard project, planting trees around the vineyards to support biodiversity. In the Monte Bisson vineyard 2 beehives have been installed. Solar panels have been installed in the winery and a charging station in the winery for electric cars. Their premium wine cases are made from repurposed pallets.