Soave Classico Pieropan (37.5cl) 2022

Soave has something of an image – bland and innocuous.  Not this wine.  From one of the very best producers, using Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave (no relation of the Ugni Blanc Trebbiano, this is a synonym for Verdicchio) grapes from the original Classico area (the hills surrounding the town of Soave), it has citrus fruit aromas and flavours, and with a bit of age develops an almost marzipan character.  Beautiful acidity balances a slightly oily (but very pleasant) texture.

I featured this wine in our recent Northern Italian wine video tasting , and we visited the estate in 2010 during my wine tours based in Verona.  Hosted by Andrea Pieropan, we visited the beautiful cellars, amid the oak barrels, barriques and Slavonian oak bottes, and were taken past the racks where the grapes destined for their Reciotos de Soave and Amarone de Valpolicella dessicate, up to the roof terrace for the stunning views of the vineyards and town.

In the online tasting I proposed pairing it with a butternut squash ravioli, but it would go beautifully with a whole range of lighter dishes.  For me a mild goat’s cheese, such as Teddington Cheese’s Caciattona di Capra al Fieno would be perfect.

Also available in full bottle.