Soave is a dry white wine from Italy in the Veneto region around the city of Verona. There are two designated zones within the Soave region and then further divided into general and classico designation. Throughout the region of Soave, the main grape varietal used is Garganega. Pinot bianco, trebbiano di Soave, and chardonnay are also permitted as well. Most soave is dry but they also produce a sparkling spumante and a late harvest recioto. Soave became increasingly popular in the United States in the 20th century. Large producers, like Bolla, helped make soave outsell chianti in the 1970’s. The DOC designation was created in 1968 and expanded there on. In 2001, another Superiore DOCG was created for the 2002 vintage. Most of the white wine produced in the Soave region is made up of 70% Garganega grapes and 30% of the blend can be Trebbiano di Soave, also known as Verdicchio and Nestrano. The minimum alcohol level requirement should be at least 10.5%. Before 1980, the style of Soave was medium bodied and often compared to chardonnay. After 1990 the production style became more crisp and closer to a pinot grigio which is straw colored with fresh fruity notes and light bodied. The grapes for recioto and liquoroso wines are often left longer on the vine to condense more sugars to make a wine higher in alcohol to a minimum of 14% to 16%.