2023 Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico, Veneto

Pieropan La Rocca Soave Classico is one of the most iconic white wines of Italy, offering a rich, complex and age-worthy interpretation of Garganega from a single limestone-rich vineyard perched beneath the medieval castle of Soave. While much of Soave is known for light, crisp wines, La Rocca is a world apart — barrel-fermented, textured and built to evolve. It captures the elegance of the volcanic and calcareous soils, the ripeness of late-harvested fruit, and the precision of the Pieropan family’s meticulous winemaking.

Garganega grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness from the south-west-facing La Rocca vineyard, then fermented and matured in 500-litre oak barrels for around 12 months. There is no malolactic fermentation, preserving freshness and tension to balance the wine’s natural richness.

In the glass, La Rocca opens with aromas of golden apple, ripe pear, chamomile, almond, honey and sweet spice. The palate is full bodied and textural, with layers of stone fruit, preserved lemon, white flowers and creamy lees, balanced by stony minerality and vibrant acidity. It finishes long and savoury, with subtle bitterness and flinty complexity.

Food pairing: excellent with lobster, scallops in brown butter, roast chicken with lemon and rosemary, or saffron risotto. Also pairs well with aged cheeses such as Grana Padano or a mature pecorino.

Cellar potential: delicious young, but will age effortlessly for 10 to 15 years, developing notes of hazelnut, truffle and wild honey.