2022 Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico, Veneto

The only oak-inflected cuvee at the estate. Aged in 100% used tonneaux, both French and Slavonian. Superb aromas of pistachios, peaches and dried mangoes. Broad and expansive, yet funneled into a vortex of tension by freshness that sublimates any sense of obvious power. A wonderful expression of a warmer vintage that suits perfectly this compelling site. Drink or hold.

96 points jamessuckling.com

The vineyard ‘La Rocca’ is situated on the Monte Rocchetta hill, just below the mediaeval castle built by the Scaligeri family in the town of Soave. The microclimate in this vineyard produces wines with a unique perfumeand distinctive taste.

The grapes are picked when very ripe, often as late as the end of October, giving tremendous complexity and aromatic qualities to the wine, making it a wine of great breeding. The wine was first made under this label in 1978.

100% Garganera grapes are destemmed and crushed with short maceration. At the end of fermentation, the wine is racked into barrels of between 2000 and 500 litres capacity where it ages for around a year.

During this period, the wine remains on the fine lees where is acquires complexity and a rich bouquet.

Brilliant and intense yellow white golden hints; characterful wine, reminiscent of exotic fruit and nuts on the nose; soft and persistent on the palate, with hints of spice, length and elegance.

Makes an excellent partner to complex dishes, even with strong flavours particularly risottos such as porcini, or celery, squash and almond, salt cod and other fish including salmon, scallops and crab. Serve at 12-14°C.