The 2023 Pieropan Soave Classico La Rocca is a standout Italian white wine made entirely from organically farmed Garganega grapes. This wine comes from the Veneto region's renowned Soave sub-region, produced by the esteemed Pieropan family, known for their expertise in crafting exceptional wines.
Kerin O'Keefe of kerinokeefe.com awarded this wine an impressive 95 points, highlighting its enticing aromas of yellow stone fruit, wild herb, and oak-driven spice. The wine is fermented and aged in French tonneaux and large Slavonian casks, resulting in an elegantly structured, creamy palate. O'Keefe notes flavors of ripe peach, apricot, lemon drop, and honeyed almond, with hints of butterscotch and vanilla. The fresh acidity ensures a balanced finish. She recommends enjoying this wine through 2031.
Monica Larner from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also praised this vintage, awarding it 94 points. She described the wine as having a "golden intensity" and a bouquet that reflects both the Garganega grape and careful oak aging. The wine undergoes 15 months of aging in French and Slavonian oak, which imparts oak nuances of nutmeg and saffron, complementing varietal tones of stone fruit, preserved lemon, and crushed oyster shell. Larner calls attention to the wine's origin from the La Rocca site, known for its limestone soils, and celebrates the Pieropan family's milestone 45th anniversary with this release.
Overall, the 2023 Pieropan Soave Classico La Rocca showcases the Pieropan family's dedication to quality winemaking. Its complex flavor profile and balanced acidity make it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined white wine from Italy's Veneto region.