Pieropan Soave Classico la Rocca 2010

The 2009 Soave Classico La Rocca opens with an attractive bouquet framed by subtle hints of oak. Sweet apricots, honey and jasmine are all beautifully layered in the glass. The open, textured finish is immensely appealing. Anticipated maturity: 2012-... Robert Parkers Wine Advocate. A Garganega wine from Veneto in Italy. 2009 Pieropan Soave Classico la Rocca 750ml

A Garganega wine from Veneto in Italy. 2009 Pieropan Soave Classico la Rocca 750ml

Run by owners Nino and Teresita Pieropan, this estate typically produces outstanding wines from this often lackluster Veneto appellation. The wine is made from a blend of 90 percent Garganega and 10 percent Trebbiano grapes grown in hillside vineyards with volcanic soils.

This 1997 Soave Classico is a richly fruity (grapefruit and other citrus), flavorful, nicely-textured, meduim-bodied example with a dry, crisp finish. The purity and flavor impact confirm a top-flight vintage.

Not your grandmother's Soave, this is fully loaded, from its charming, fresh aromas of peaches and orange blossoms to its plump, fleshy flavors of stone fruits. And it's all backed by bracing acidity that keeps the ripe flavors lively right through the long, minerally finish.

Medium-bodied. Full acidity. Minerals, flowers, lemon. Pleasantly tart lemon and steely minerals highlight the entry. Good mouthfeel with brisk acidity. Nice balance and structure overall. Finishes clean and crisp.

Lively and fresh, this has clean, citrusy acidity, round flavors of pear and hazelnut and a lingering finish. Balanced and well made.