Pieropan's flagship single vineyard wine is always fermented in 500 litre oak barrels and has a rich opulence and amazing concentration. It has been awarded the Italian White Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge for four successive years between 2010 and 2013. The 2012 is slightly deeper in colour than the straight Classico and the Calvarino. Peachy, creamy and exotic on the nose, the wine is also a little bit plusher, richer and denser on the palate too without losing its zippy refreshing acidity and zesty clean finish. Fantastic length with lingering tropical fruits.
Listed in my 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates book, Pieropan has been producing wines since the 1890s, they were the first people ever to put the word Soave on a bottle of wine. Nino Pieropan's La Rocca comes from a limestone outcrop situated on the Monte Rocchetta hill, just underneath Soave's medieval fortress. The 2012 is a stunning release and it is one of the finest Italian white wines I have seen in years. Made exclusively from Garganega, this is the 'Grand Cru' in the portfolio and it sees some oak which gives it lush tones and considerable class. A veritable bargain in a world context - you must phone your local merchant now to taste this legendary wine.
