Description
The 2023 Monte Tondo “Mito” is a quintessential expression of the Soave region, representing the entry-point to the Magnabosco family’s prestigious white wine portfolio.
While their top-tier single-vineyard bottlings are known for complexity and age-ability, the “Mito” is crafted to showcase the immediate charm, purity, and volcanic minerality of the Garganega grape.
Grown on the gentle slopes of the Soave hills, this wine is a “Myth” (Mito) that stays true to tradition focusing on freshness and the “savory” salinity that only these basaltic soils can provide.
The Terroir: Volcanic Influence
The “Mito” benefits from the unique geology of the Soave DOC:
Basaltic Soils: The vineyards are characterized by dark, volcanic rock which imparts a distinct mineral “tension” and a long, salty finish to the wine.
The Pergola System: Most of the Garganega is grown using the traditional Veronese Pergola, which protects the delicate skins of the grapes from direct midday sun, preserving acidity and floral aromatics.
The Craft: Freshness First
To maintain the “Mito’s” vibrant character, the winemaking process is strictly reductive and temperature-controlled:
Harvest: Grapes are hand-selected in late September.
Cool Fermentation: After a soft pressing, the must is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 14°C–16°C.
Lees Aging: The wine rests on its fine lees for approximately 3 to 4 months. This brief “infusion” adds a silky texture and a hint of almond creaminess without the need for oak.
The Appearance: Pale straw-yellow with shimmering greenish highlights.
The Nose: Delicate and floral. It opens with classic aromas of white peach, elderflower, and acacia, followed by a subtle “stony” mineral undertone.
The Palate: Crisp, dry, and light-bodied. It offers flavors of green apple and citrus peel, balanced by a refreshing, lively acidity.
The Finish: Clean and honest, marked by the typical bitter almond note and a lingering saline touch that invites another sip.
Tasting Notes
James Suckling 90
"A very pretty and precise Soave. The 2023 Mito is all about energy and lift, showing bright orchard fruits and a lovely flinty finish. It s exactly what you want in a refreshing Italian white." [James Suckling, 01/01/2026]
Producer Profile
The Soul of Soave Classico
Monte Tondo is a premier family estate located in the heart of the Soave Classico zone in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. For three generations, the Magnabosco family has cultivated their vines on the steep, volcanic slopes of the Monte Tondo hill, overlooking the medieval town of Soave.
Today, under the expert direction of Gino Magnabosco and his daughter Marta, the winery has become a global benchmark for Garganega, the noble grape of the region. Their mission is simple: to produce wines of profound mineral tension and aromatic purity that challenge the world’s finest whites.
The Terroir: Volcanic and Limestone Heights
The identity of Monte Tondo is defined by its extraordinary soils. While many Soave wines are produced on the flat plains, Monte Tondo’s vineyards are situated exclusively in the “Classico” zone, where the steep hillsides consist of ancient basalt and tuff.
- Mineral Character: This mineral-rich volcanic earth imparts the wine’s signature “smoky” or flinty character and its remarkable ability to age.
- Meticulous Farming: The family practices intensive canopy management and hand-harvesting, ensuring that only grapes rich in volcanic energy and natural acidity reach the cellar.
The Craft: Crystalline Precision
In the cellar, Monte Tondo strikes a balance between traditional wisdom and modern precision, focusing on the delicate, floral essence of the Garganega grape.
- Stainless Steel Fermentation: Most cuvées are fermented in temperature-controlled steel to maintain a “crystalline” freshness and vibrant citrus profile.
- “Sur Lie” Aging: A key hallmark of the Monte Tondo style is extended aging on the yeast (lees), which adds a sophisticated weight and savory complexity to the mid-palate.
- Prestige Selections: Top-tier wines like the Casette Foscarin undergo fermentation in large oak casks to develop a creamy, honeyed texture and notes of toasted almond.
A “Grand Cru” Caliber Producer
Today, Monte Tondo is celebrated by critics as a “Grand Cru” level producer of Italian white wine.
While famous for their white wines, the family also produces structured Valpolicella and Amarone reds from their vineyards in nearby Colognola ai Colli, reflecting a deep respect for the broader Veronese landscape.
