There is something about the hills of Soave that stimulates the senses long before the first sip. Perhaps it is the way the early morning mist clings to the vines or how the warm afternoon light reflects off the ancient castle walls above the town. It could be the tranquil rhythm of the land—volcanic ridges in the north, gentler limestone slopes in the south—or the fact that wine in this part of Veneto doesn’t feel like a product. It feels like a story. And no one tells that story better than the Pieropan family.
Their story begins in 1880, when Dr. Leonildo Pieropan, a physician with the mind of a scientist and the instincts of a farmer, began making wine in the heart of Soave. At that time, the region was little more than a rustic hinterland where most wines were produced in bulk and sold anonymously.
Pieropan
Via Giulio Camuzzoni 3 37038 Soave VR Italy
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But Dr. Pieropan had an idea. He knew that the soil beneath his feet—especially the dark, mineral-rich volcanic earth—had something special to offer. His thoughtful and pure wines laid the foundation for one of Italy’s most important family wineries. Almost a century later, we meet another Leonildo—better known as Nino – who took over the reins in the 1970s and quietly rewrote the rules. While the world turned its back on Soave and dismissed it as a bland supermarket white wine, Nino believed in its potential. He began bottling wines under his family name, worked organically long before it was trendy, and – most radically – brought wines from individual vineyards to market.
That may sound commonplace today, but in 1971, his decision to present a single parcel, “Calvarino,” was a groundbreaking change. He announced to the world that Soave was not just one wine. It was many places, many voices, and many layers of identity.
Today, Nino’s sons Andrea and Dario Pieropan continue the family legacy with quiet determination and deep respect for their roots. Andrea is out in the vineyards almost every day, watching over the vines like a shepherd watches over his flock. He knows every slope, every gust of wind, and every tiny change in the soil. Dario manages the cellar with the same care, keeping the winemaking simple so that the grapes can speak for themselves.
Together, they have built a new winery—an elegant, gravity-fed space carved into the hillside that feels both futuristic and deeply rooted in tradition. To truly understand Pieropan’s wines, you have to travel the land. Start in the north, in Calvarino, where the soils are black and volcanic. The vines grow high up on steep slopes, surrounded by cool mountain air, and the wines they produce are taut, mineral, and whisper-light on the palate. Calvarino is a wine that seems to glow from within—subtle at first, then, as it opens up, profound and expressive.
Travelling further south through the hills, you come to La Rocca. Here, the soil changes—more limestone and clay, more sun, more warmth. The vineyard lies directly below the old castle of Soave, a dramatic backdrop for a wine that is fuller, rounder, and richer. La Rocca is Garganega without a coat – generous, golden, and with notes of honey, spices, and ripe stone fruits. It is aged in large oak barrels, which gives it weight without stifling its soul. But Pieropan has more to offer than just these two vineyards. Their Soave Classico DOC is a brilliant introduction to their style – bright, fresh, and infinitely drinkable. It is made from organically grown Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes and fermented in steel tanks to keep it fresh and pure.
Then there is their Recioto di Soave, a lush, sweet wine made from dried grapes that tastes of apricots and almonds kissed by the sea air. More recently, the family has ventured beyond Soave into the red wine region of Valpolicella, where they now produce Amarone and Valpolicella Superiore. Like their white wines, these red wines are made with restraint. They are elegant, not overwhelming—a true expression of their terroir, shaped by experience and love.
More recently, the family has ventured beyond Soave into the red wine region of Valpolicella, where they now produce Amarone and Valpolicella Superiore. Like their white wines, these red wines are also produced with restraint. They are elegant, not overwhelming—a true expression of their terroir, shaped by experience and love. Sustainability is at the heart of all Pieropan’s activities. Their vineyards have been fully organic since 2015, but their approach goes beyond certification. They use cover crops to protect the soil, avoid synthetic chemicals, and promote biodiversity. Their winery was built with low energy consumption in mind and designed to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. It is clear that they see themselves not only as winemakers but also as guardians of the land for future generations.
Pieropan is not just about wines. It’s about the people, the land, and the quiet conviction that great wine comes from knowing your place in the world and staying true to it. For sommeliers and wine lovers seeking elegance and depth, for importers and producers who want to understand what makes Soave so special—Pieropan is more than just a benchmark. It is a beacon. For anyone who wants to learn more or plan a visit, Pieropan welcomes curious minds and enthusiasts alike.
