From the cellar, I chose a bottle of Pieropan’s La Rocca 2015 – Collezione dell’Anima, a truly exceptional interpretation of one of Italy’s great white wines. Pieropan is inextricably linked to Soave. Leonildo Pieropan was a pioneer who demonstrated the heights to which the local Garganega grape can rise—a vision that the family continues to uphold today.
La Rocca is made from 100% Garganega from the vineyard of the same name near the castle of Soave. What makes this Collezione dell’Anima exceptional is its aging: the wine is aged for no less than ten years in large wooden casks before it is released. This aging is not intended to impart flavor to the wine, but rather to allow for an exceptionally long, gentle maturation that gives it time to develop complexity and harmony.
In the glass, the 2015 is rich and deep, with aromas of ripe yellow peach, apricot, and candied citrus, complemented by honey, almond, dried flowers, and subtle spices. On the palate, it has body and an almost creamy texture, yet at the same time offers a wonderful freshness and a mineral, slightly briny edge. The long aging has fully integrated the various elements. The finish is exceptionally long, featuring almond, citrus, herbs, and a delicate hint of honey.
In terms of food pairings, I think of Venetian cuisine: refined risottos, grilled fish, shellfish, or poultry. This wine also has sufficient depth and structure to pair with Monte Veronese and other aged cheeses.
Despite those ten years of aging, this is by no means a wine nearing the end of its life. On the contrary: it is only released when Pieropan deems it ready to reveal its true character. The 2015 La Rocca Collezione dell’Anima is magnificent to drink right now, but I expect that a well-preserved bottle can easily continue to evolve for another ten years—and possibly longer. A fascinating Garganega in which not only terroir but, above all, time is one of the most important ingredients.
A presto, Salute!
La Rocca is made from 100% Garganega from the vineyard of the same name near the castle of Soave. What makes this Collezione dell’Anima exceptional is its aging: the wine is aged for no less than ten years in large wooden casks before it is released. This aging is not intended to impart flavor to the wine, but rather to allow for an exceptionally long, gentle maturation that gives it time to develop complexity and harmony.
In the glass, the 2015 is rich and deep, with aromas of ripe yellow peach, apricot, and candied citrus, complemented by honey, almond, dried flowers, and subtle spices. On the palate, it has body and an almost creamy texture, yet at the same time offers a wonderful freshness and a mineral, slightly briny edge. The long aging has fully integrated the various elements. The finish is exceptionally long, featuring almond, citrus, herbs, and a delicate hint of honey.
In terms of food pairings, I think of Venetian cuisine: refined risottos, grilled fish, shellfish, or poultry. This wine also has sufficient depth and structure to pair with Monte Veronese and other aged cheeses.
Despite those ten years of aging, this is by no means a wine nearing the end of its life. On the contrary: it is only released when Pieropan deems it ready to reveal its true character. The 2015 La Rocca Collezione dell’Anima is magnificent to drink right now, but I expect that a well-preserved bottle can easily continue to evolve for another ten years—and possibly longer. A fascinating Garganega in which not only terroir but, above all, time is one of the most important ingredients.
A presto, Salute!