2024 Pieropan - Soave Classico Superiore La Rocca (750ml)

Pieropan's association with Soave dates back to 1890, when Leonildo Pieropan founded the estate, but it was his grandson, also named Leonildo and known to everyone as Nino, who transformed the winery's reputation starting in the 1970s. After completing his enology studies, Nino released Calvarino in 1971, the region's first single-vineyard Soave Classico, proving that native Garganega could produce serious, terroir-driven wine at a time when Soave's reputation was being diluted by mass production. He followed it in 1978 with La Rocca, the first oaked expression of the grape, cementing his standing as one of the most important figures in the region's history. Since his death in 2018, his sons, Andrea and Dario, have carried the estate forward as viticulturist and winemaker, farming just over forty hectares organically across the Soave Classico zone.

La Rocca comes from a hillside vineyard on Monte Rocchetta, just below the medieval castle overlooking Soave, on chalky clay soils between 200 and 300 meters, facing southwest. Made entirely from Garganega, the grapes are hand harvested very late, often into November, with a portion of botrytised fruit included in the mix. The 2024 growing season brought difficult frost and heavy spring rains, further reducing an already tightly selected harvest, though the resulting wine shows real depth. Fermentation and aging take place in oak barrels on the lees.

The wine offers a complex, entrancing nose leading into a succulent, energetic palate of baking spice, ripe apricot, stone fruit, and lemon oil. Its caressing texture is balanced by little salty pops against the richness. Delicious now, it will also reward patience. Pair with roast poultry, creamy risotto, or aged cheeses.