Pieropan

The untimely death of Leonildo Pieropan, in April 2018, could only highlight the central role that the winery of that amazing visionary had in the revival and consolidation of the Soave image. A volcanic area of exceptional potential, which thanks to the Pieropans made its way from Veneto to the world.

Innovation, at the Pieropan's, was based not only on a modern and agile conception of Garganega, but also on the recognition of Soave as a great cru wine, of long refinements and great tradition. The symbol of the rebirth of the denomination is undeniably La Rocca, a Soave aged in wood for over a year, which made history in Italian white wine, too often immune to preservability.

La Rocca, from the name of a fantastic vineyard on calcareous-clay soil at the foot of the Scaliger castle in Soave, represents the elevation of the native to the rank of grandiose wine, solemn, opulent. Listing the awards would be almost reductive for its vast personality. From overripe grapes, it is at the same time full-bodied and fresh, mineral, enveloping, sapid and warm. Everything, really, in a glass.

And then the Calvarino, the brilliant straight-forward, taut cru, elegant and subtle, perhaps the most frank and direct representation of the volcanic Soave terroir. This wine too is long-lasting, certainly beyond the decade. Colombare is tradition: the Recioto. A wilted Garganega like in days gone past, to be enjoyed on special occasions, with a nice Pandoro, for example. Its decisive volcanic flavour masterly balances its gentle sweetness.