Pieropan, Ruberpan Valpolicella Superiore

Brilliant ruby red in colour. The bouquet shows fragrant aromas of bergamot, beeswax, black cherries, sultanas, pistachios and a crack of black pepper. Earl Grey tea, lavender and cassis intertwine on the intriguing and complex palate, which linger over and savour for its hints of a profound umami mid-palate, then lifted red fruits on the long, and tapering finish.

The Pieropan winery in the town of Soave is one of Italy's most accomplished and critically acclaimed of all wine estates in the country. Soave has been produced here since the early 1900s, and their versions, ranging from a classic offering as well as two cru (single vineyard) versions are routinely considered among the finest Soaves of the entire production zone. For many years, Leonildo Pieropan managed the estate, and in doing so helped preserve the huge quality of Soave, all this while many producers released simple, inexpensive versions that too often typified this lovely Italian white wine. Thanks to Pieropan and a few others artisans, Soave could still be characterized as one of Italy's finest whites, one that could age for a decade or more when treated in a proper fashion. Sadly, Leonildo Pieropan passed away in 2018 at the age of 71, having worked 50 harvests in Soave. Today his sons Andrea and Dario continue their father's passionate work not only with Soave, but also with a few local reds such as Valpolicella and Amarone.