La Rocca’s vines, some up to 50 years of age, are rooted in limestone-rich soils that spread across the southwest slope of Mount Rochetta in Soave Classico. The Pieropan family harvests La Rocca toward the end of October, when the garganega grapes are fully ripe and often have developed a touch of botrytis that lends a rich and honeyed texture to the wine. Brief skin maceration and aging in oak tonneaux enhances this richness, even as bright lemony acidity brings the wine’s deep golden apple and grilled pineapple flavors into focus. This is old-vine, barrel-aged Soave at its best.
94
Pieropan 2020 Soave Classico La Rocca
$50
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is the Italian wine editor at Wine & Spirits magazine.
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