Andrea & Dario Pieropan
PIEROPAN – SOAVE, VENETO (BORN 1977 & 1978)
Despite an 18-month age gap, brothers Andrea and Dario Pieropan are like twins and speak on behalf of each other. ‘Growing up in the wine world, it was impossible to think of doing anything else,’ says Dario, who studied agriculture at school, then switched to oenology in university. ‘Andrea did the opposite,’ he continues. ‘We both started working in the winery officially in 2003,’ adds Andrea.
Founded in 1880, Pieropan is the oldest family-owned estate in Soave and has passed from generation to generation. ‘I had the greatest white wine teacher I could have dreamed of,’ says Dario of his father Leonildo Pieropan, who is widely considered the father of the denomination.
While Leonildo had to contend in the past with the poor reputation of
Soave, the challenges his sons face are different. Quality has improved and competition has increased. ‘Now we need to make people understand the difference between a good wine and an authentic wine that reflects the terroir,’ says Andrea.
Caring for the environment is equally a priority. Dario and Andrea were instrumental in achieving organic certification for Pieropan’s entire wine production. However, their search for even greener solutions continues, including experimenting with disease-resistant hybrid varities that don’t require any sprays.
Pieropan, Vigna Garzon, Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto 2015 94
£47.05-£64.99 AG Wines, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Exel, Hay Wines, The Wine Reserve,
Vin Cognito
Pieropan’s Amarone saw its first commercial release in 2006. Enticing plummy prune aromas, sweet spice and macerated cherry tinged with vanilla. Dense, plush fruit is reined in by gently assertive tannins, notes of mint and pepper lending freshness. Slightly warming on the finish. Organic. Drink 2020-2030 Alc 16.5%