2021 Calvarino Soave Classico, Pieropan
The volcanic and limestone hillsides of the original Soave area are recognised as top-quality terroirs for white wine. Pieropan is king here - the first to bottle under the Soave name in the thirties, and the first to make a premium, single vineyard Soave: Calvarino, followed by La Rocca. Both are now known for their ability to take on fabulous complexity - and excellent quality for the price. Calvarino comes from a steep vineyard on classic volcanic soils, shows pristine white fruit and delicate green herbs. A well-priced alternative to Chablis or White Burgundy, and a great match to many foods.
"There’s something especially spicy and enticing about the 2021 Soave Classico Calvarino. White smoke and honeyed floral aromas give way to ground ginger and crushed green apples. It’s deeply textural, nearly oily, and young peach nuances swirl throughout. Residual acids keep you returning to the glass as zesty yellow citrus offsets liquid stone through the youthfully tense finale. This is an absolutely stunning performance for Calvarino, and as primary as it is today, I can’t help but pour another glass. The 2021 was matured entirely in glass-lined cement tanks for one year. The 2021 Calvarino is a powerful terroir representation. Drink 2024-2031." Eric Guido, Vinous.com