Vinous

• By Antonio Galloni
  Exploring the Best of Northern Italy (Oct 2007) (link)

  (Pieropan Soave Classico Superiore La Rocca) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  6/22/2009 (link)

  (LA ROCCA Pieropan) Pieropan #2 Dear Friends, Many of you asked for more recent vintages of Pieropan (post 2001) or a vintage more typical in style than 2003 - here you go. 2004 in Soave, like 2004 in the Cote d'Beaune, gave "classic" old-world results in many of the sub-zones - even the La Rocca is toned down (for the better). While quality is never the issue with Pieropan, normally, I'm on the fence with this producer due to high prices (mid-$20's for the Calvarino and $30's-$40's for the La Rocca). To curb that frustration, I've tried to keep the prices on today's offer as low as possible to encourage experimentation and this price is far more realistic and reasonable for Soave which makes both of these enticing propositions. As a side note, don't be fooled by typical drinking windows for Soave - both the Calvarino and La Rocca are known to age for many years and the terroir is on their side. I've had examples of Pieropan nearly 20 years old that are certainly evolved but also quite complex and still vibrant (in an aged way). Many of the Pieropan wines can go through a "dumb" phase for a few years where the baby fat drops out and they can seem tired but this is usually only a phase (especially noticeable on the La Rocca where the wine can seem suddenly lean as opposed to the unctuous style in youth). If you have the time and patience to cellar these and are open to experimentation over a number of years, you will undoubtedly hit the sweet spot for each. Both would be interesting to follow over the next decade or more as they should change substantially with time... ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price: 2004 Pieropan Soave "Calvarino" 2004 Pieropan Soave "La Rocca" Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy7676 Italy7677