A different, fuller-weighted brood, boasting ample stone fruits, nutmeg and truffle. Savvy use of oak (tonneaux and larger format French) and extended lees ageing. A vineyard purchased in 1976, situated directly behind the town's castle. Lower altitude, with clay and limestone (rather than the more pervasive volcanics), finding effortless confluence with a winemaking approach that has long-defined this fuller-weighted, late-harvested, highly textural expression. While an outlier stylistically, there is often a fleck of botrytis, all tamarind and dried mango, that melds with the underlying tension to impart generosity and evince authority. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

The organic Pieropan 2021 Soave Classico La Rocca shows a golden hue with hints of shiny emerald and green. Made with 100% Garganega, it ages in tonneaux for 12 months. The wine is viscous in appearance, gliding within the inside of the glass with thick, slow swirls. The effect is beautiful and full-bodied for sure, with apricot, poached pear, crushed stone and very light saffron or cinnamon. This is just a terrific vintage from a world-class producer. Luckily for us, 48,000 bottles were made.

The organic Pieropan 2020 Soave Classico La Rocca (made with 100% Garganega) is a much richer wine from a hot and sunny vintage. It ages in oak up to 15 months. The wine has a slightly waxy feel with plenty of orchard and tropical fruit that sits heavy on the bouquet. On second nose, you get minty apple, sage and lots of honey. It ends with a generous mid-weight texture, showing sweet almond and toasted pine nut. This is a 45,000-bottle release.

Going a few vintages back in time, the organic Pieropan 2019 Soave Classico La Rocca (made with oak-aged Garganega) is carrying along beautifully, with a pretty gold color and balanced aromas of stone fruit, quince and ripe nectarine. The wine feels silky and smooth on the palate, with increasing textural heft as it goes forward. La Rocca is one of the best Soave Classicos on the market. It is an evergreen favorite that stays with the times. Some 45,000 bottles were released.