Le Battistelle ‘Roccolo Del Durlo’ Soave Classico 2022

This single vineyard is situated in the Carbonare Cru, one of the most famous sites in the Classico zone. This vineyard contains so many old vines, up to 140 years old, a truly special plot. Unlike the Battistelle bottling from the Brognoligo Cru this site has a mixture of soils, heavily volcanic but a mixture of Basaltic, Iron and Tuff (soft porous rock). In fact a lot of the rocks from this site are very brittle, so easily worn down to powder form.

In terms of winemaking this is the only wine from Le Battistelle that sees skin contact. After hand picking the grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed and left for 2 days on skins in tank at cool temperatures. Then pressed off, left on fine lees in tank for 8 months with frequent battonage. Designated as Heroic viticulture due to the huge work required to build and maintain the stone terraces on these steep slopes.

“The 2022 Soave Classico Roccolo del Durlo Viticoltura Eroica is delicate and youthfully coy, with a bouquet that blends crushed stones, salty sea air and suggestions of dried apricot and peach. This is a model of purity; soft, silken textures and fresh acidity guide its mineral-tinged orchard fruits as a hint of green citrus adds contrast. It finishes perfumed and remarkably fresh, lingering long on the palate with sour melon and minty herbal tones that resonate on. Deeply complex, I expect the 2022 Roccolo Del Durlo to thrill Soave lovers for well over a decade.” +93 pts – Vinous