Pieropan’s estate covers 58 hectares of vineyard which are situated on the stony hills of Soave Classico. The Pieropan family has been producing wines in Soave since the 1890s. They were even the first producer to bottle a wine with the name Soave on the label in the early 1930s.
The Soave Classico has the richness and zest that makes this such an attractive wine. It is scented and beautifully defined, with hints of honeysuckle and almond on the finish. Pieropan is most famous for their two single-vineyard wines: ‘Calvarino’, owned by the family since 1901, is on the classic volcanic basalt of Soave Classico; while ‘La Rocca’ is situated on the only limestone outcrop in the zone. The former is unoaked and mineral and reminiscent of good Chablis, while the latter, fermented in 500 litre barrels, is rich and opulent. ‘La Rocca’ has won seven gold medals at the International Wine Challenge over the years.
La Rocca Soave Classico 2019
(£172 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
(£197 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
Vineyards & Vinification:
The grapes were grown in the vineyard of 'La Rocca', which takes its name from the adjacent medieval castle and fortress that dominates the town of Soave, just east of Verona. The soil in La Rocca is unique in Soave in that it is a limestone outcrop in a sea of basalt. Because of this soil, the family feels they get sufficient ripeness in the Garganega to make a wine solely from this variety. Innovative since its first release in 1978, it has become a definitive symbol of quality and tradition for the region. After a short period of maceration on the skins, the wine is fermented at in stainless steel tanks and 2,500 litre oak casks. It was then racked into 500 and 2,000 litre oak casks where it was aged for 15 months on its fine lees, followed by further ageing in bottle before release.
Tasting Notes:
'La Rocca' is golden yellow in the glass, with intense, concentrated perfumes that follow through to the palate. On the nose, classic 'La Rocca' aromas of nuts and exotic fruits lead to an elegant and beautifully balanced palate, with notes of spice and a light minerality on the long finish.
Calvarino Soave Classico 2019
(£129 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
(£160 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
Vineyards & Vinification:
The Calvarino vineyard is located in the north-west zone of the Soave Classico area and has been owned by the Pieropan family since 1901. It takes its name from the steepness of the slope and the difficulty this presents in working the vineyard. It has basalt soil that is typical in this part of Soave and is planted with Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave. The vineyards are farmed organically and the grapes are selected in the vineyard, before arriving in the cellar. Calvarino is not aged in oak but remained on its fine lees in glass-lined cement tanks for a year, adding complexity and depth to the final wine. It remained in bottle for a few months before release.
Tasting Notes:
The ‘Calvarino’ is pale straw yellow in colour, with youthful hues turning golden with age. On the nose, fresh, floral aromas with elderflower, lemon and cherry. The palate is dry, well balanced and elegant, with tremendous length and finesse.
Soave Classico 2020
(£170 per 12 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
Vinyeards & Vinification:
The fruit for this wine come from the hillside vineyards in the heart of the Soave Classico. Yields from the vines, some of which are 60 years old, are low and the grapes are grown organically without the use of pesticides or chemicals. The grapes were hand selected and taken immediately to the winery, where they were destemmed and crushed. Fermentation took place in glass-lined cement tanks. The wine then remained on its fine lees until bottling the following spring, with further ageing in bottle for another month before release.
Tasting Notes:
This wine is brilliant straw yellow in colour, with greenish hints. On the nose it has aromas of white flowers, almond blossoms, marzipan and a touch of citrus. The palate is rounded and has flavours of ripe fruit perfectly balanced by a fresh, clean acidity. Long and fragrant, it has a note of fine, almond pastry on the finish.