2021 Pieropan Ruberpan Valpolicella Superiore, Veneto

Blackberries and violets on the complex nose, with a savoury, herbaceous flavour and a long finish.' Sabrina Manolio, consultant sommelier. 'A pretty nose of red cherry, rose and violet, with some earthiness and smoke too, as well as sweet spice and umami. A good food wine that would pair with steak, pizza or a mushroom dish.'

Stephanie Robertson, Restaurant Associates. Bronze, Sommelier Wine Awards

Pieropan Ruberpan Valpolicella Superiore is a beautifully balanced and elegant red from one of Veneto’s most respected family estates. Better known for their Soave Classico, the Pieropan family brings the same precision and clarity to this red from Val d’Illasi, part of the eastern Valpolicella zone. Made with a classic blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Croatina, Ruberpan is a fresher, more lifted expression of Valpolicella Superiore, offering ripe red fruit, fine structure and a savoury edge — all without the heaviness of Amarone or ripasso styles.

The grapes are hand-harvested and gently fermented in stainless steel, followed by 18 months of ageing in large Slavonian oak casks. There’s no drying of the fruit here, allowing the natural character of the varieties and the vineyard to shine through. The result is a wine of purity and poise, with depth and complexity in a medium-bodied frame.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of sour cherry, redcurrant, dried rose, black tea and a hint of sweet spice. The palate is fresh and juicy, with soft tannins, vibrant red fruit, and earthy undertones that add savoury length. It’s polished, dry and quietly structured, finishing with dried herbs and a dusting of cocoa.

Food pairing: perfect with grilled pork chops, roast duck, mushroom risotto, or eggplant parmigiana. Also a lovely match with aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or hard sheep’s milk cheese.

Cellar potential: drinking beautifully now but will evolve gracefully over 6 to 10 years, gaining more earthy complexity and soft spice.