Light yellow-straw with hint of green color; peach, honeysuckle on the nose; green apple, peach, marzipan-almond, lime-citrus on the palate.
Crisp acidity (3.24 pH), extra dry, reserved fruits, depends on the zingy acidity and minerality to make most of the flavor statement. Blend of 85% garganega and 15% trebbiano di Soave—indigenous grapes of the DOC (Soave Classico DOC in northerneastern Italy between Verona and Padua—the Veneto region).
The wine was made in glass-lined cement tanks and left on the lees throughout the process to achieve a clean, smooth, delicate touch. This is classic Soave from noted producer that expertly handles garganega grapes.
The Pieropan family has produced wines in the Soave region for more than a century. Pieropan is the oldest family-owned estate in Soave, with vineyards beneath the walls of the medieval Soave village. The winery has been the center of the village since the late 1800s.
Dario Pierpan is the fourth generation winemaker, while his brother, Andrea, maintains the sustainable, responsible farming operations; both have university degrees in viticulture and oenology. Parents Leonildo (Nino) and Teresita also continue to keep an eye on the operation—Nino is famed as a trailblazing visionary with his move from mass-produced Soave into single-vineyard bottlings and the use of oak for his single-vineyard La Rocca effort.
Leonildo Pieropan Soave Classico is classic expression of Soave wines. E. & J. Gallo Winery acquired exclusive distribution rights in the United States—part of its LUX Wines portfolio—so there is good distribution throughout the U.S. $19-20
Other photos: Pieropan vineyard and Soave village, Pieropan family—Andrea, Dario, Nino, Teresita.
