2016 Pieropan Amarone della Valpolicella Vigna Garzon Veneto – buy online

WHO?

The Pieropan estate covers 58 hectares of vineyards located on the rocky (volcanic) hills of Soave Classico. The Pieropan family has been producing wines in the Soave appellation since as far back as 1890. Moreover, they were the first producer to bottle wine with the name of the Soave subregion on the label in the early 1930s. Leonildo Pieropan was a visionary who produced the first single vineyard wine in Soave, ‘Calvarino,’ in 1971. Since the 2015 vintage, Pieropan wines have held an organic certification.

WHERE?

In 1999, the Pieropan family purchased undeveloped land on the hill of Garzon, located 400 meters above sea level in Cellore Illasi. The Illasi Valley lies west of Soave and has long held a reputation as an excellent terroir for top-tier Valpolicella. The vineyard’s southern exposure ensures optimal ripening of the typical Valpolicella varietals (Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Croatina). The combination of limestone and clay, along with a windy and dry microclimate, creates ideal conditions for producing generous yet always elegant wines.

WHY?

Fourth-generation winemakers, Dario Pieropan and his brother Andrea, are dedicated to pushing boundaries and continuing the family’s reputation for innovation. Carefully hand-harvested grapes are left to naturally dry under controlled conditions to concentrate their sugars, tannins, acids, and aromas before fermentation. After three years of aging in 500-liter barrels and an additional 12 months of refining in the bottle, the wine is finally released to the market. The opulent and intense bouquet boasts aromas of dried cherries, chocolate, and spicy nuances. Full-bodied, richly juicy on the palate with an almost creamy texture dominated by flavors of dried plums, dates, coffee, and cocoa. Drink now or keep, as it will remain in excellent shape for at least another decade…

James Suckling – 94 pts