Origin
Soave is situated in the heartland of Veneto; geographically it sits right next door to red compatriot Valpolicella, creating a gentle and friendly rivalry. La Rocca is an old vine single vineyard and the flagship of the Estate. 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, Pieropan feel they get sufficient ripeness in the Garganega to make a wine solely from this variety.
Producer
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. Indeed, they were the first producer to bottle a wine with the name Soave on the label in the early 1930s. Nino Pieropan took over from his father in 1970 and was the first producer in Soave to make a single-vineyard wine, ‘Calvarino’, in 1971. Nino’s two sons, Andrea and Dario, took over the running of the estate in 2017. From the 2015 vintage onwards, all Pieropan wines are organically certified.
Grape Variety
100% Garganega.
Grapes are harvested late to achieve complexity and aromatic qualities in the finished product. The crop goes through gentle whole bunch pressing, followed by a short period of maceration on the skins. Fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks and oak casks follows. 60% of the wine then remains in oak casks while 40% is aged in 2,000 litre barrels for one year. The wine matures in the bottle for four months before release.
Food Match
Works very well with chicken, guinea fowl or pork corked in a richer, even cream, sauce. Likewise if down the pasta route, will marry well with a richer white meat and sage sauce or ragu. Also interesting with mature white cheese – not least Pecorino or Parmignano.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Alcohol Percentage
13%
In the Press
Silver – International Wine Challenge 2021
Gold – Decanter World Wine Award 2021 (2018 vintage)
Gold – Sommelier Wine Awards 2020
Gold – Sommelier Wine Awards 2019
Silver – International Wine Challenge 2019
