Le Colombare
A very traditional sweet wine made from dried grapes whose name derives from the shape of the carefully selected bunches of garganega grapes - ‘recie’ or ears. This is a long-standing family favourite and has been produced in the same way by generations of the Pieropan family.
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Vintages
Discover all the vintages
Appellation
Recioto di Soave DOCG.
Geographical location
Hillside vineyard in the Soave Classico zone
Grape variety
Garganega 100%.
Average age of vines
Vineyard was planted in 1980
Vineyard characteristics
Volcanic soils, situated at 300 m above sea level, facing west
Yields
60 hl per hectare (2 kg per vine)
Training system
Traditionally trained using the pergola veronese system, with 3000 vines per hectare
Agriculture method
All the production is certified organic
Buds per vine
8 buds per vine
Harvest
Hand-picked with great care, ensuring only the ripest, most healthy grapes are selected. They are picked into small boxes and taken to the winery for drying
Appassimento
The grapes are carried by hand to the drying loft where they are spread on bamboo cane mats to dry naturally for approximately 5 months from mid-September to the end of February.
This all natural environment allows the grapes to dehydrate and concentrate and also allows botrytis, or noble rot, to develop. Wine is not made during vintages characterized by adverse weather conditions
Vinification techniques
The wine ages in 2500 litre oak casks for around two years followed by 6 months bottle aging before release
Tasting notes
Color: Intense gold, almost amber coloured. Perfume: Reminiscent of exotic fruits and apricots on the nose. Palate: Its initial impression on the palate is delicately sweet. Alcohol content: 13% Total acidity: 6‰ – 6.5‰ Residual Sugar: 110-120 g/l
Ageing
The wine ages in 2500 litre oak casks for around two years followed by 6 months bottle ageing before release
Pairing
This is a wonderful dessert wine which is perfect with almond-based dishes, simple pastries, fruit tarts, dried fruit and rich, blue cheeses. Traditionaly suggested with pandoro di Verona. Serve at 12-14°C
Awards
Year |
Pubblication |
Date |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Veronelli | 26-10-2023 | Tre Stelle Oro |
| 2018 | James Suckling | 26-04-2023 | 96 -Top 100 Wines of Italy 2023 |
| 2017 | Falstaff | 15-12-2021 | 92 |
| 2017 | James Suckling | 01-09-2021 | 94 |
| 2016 | Vinous | 01-09-2020 | 92 |
| 2015 | Robert Parker | 01-06-2019 | 95 |
| 2015 | James Suckling | 01-12-2018 | 95 |
| 2012 | Vinous | 01-09-2016 | 92 |
| 2011 | Wine Enthusiast | 20-10-2015 | 88 |
| 2009 | Wine Advocate | 01-01-2015 | 94+ |
| 2009 | Wine Enthusiast | 01-09-2013 | 90 |
| 2008 | Vinous | 01-03-2014 | 93 |
| 2008 | Wine Spectator | 01-10-2013 | 91 |
| 2008 | Wein-plus | 30-08-2014 | 91 |
| 2007 | International Wine Cellar | 01-10-2011 | 90 |
| 2007 | Tom Hyland | 01-07-2011 | 4 stelle |
| 2007 | Wine Advocate | 01-02-2012 | 94 |
| 2007 | Wine Enthusiast | 01-08-2011 | 94 |
| 2007 | Wine Enthusiast | 01-08-2011 | 94 |
| 2007 | Wine Spectator | 31-08-2012 | 91 |
| 2007 | Wine Spectator | 01-08-2012 | 91 |
| 2006 | Wine Advocate | 01-10-2009 | 92 |
| 2006 | Wine Advocate | 01-10-2009 | 92 |
| 2004 | The International Wine Review | 01-02-2009 | 91 |
| 2004 | Wine & Spirits | 01-04-2009 | 93 |
| 2004 | Wine Advocate | 01-10-2008 | 93 |
| 2004 | The International Wine Review | 01-02-2009 | 91 |
| 2004 | Wine & Spirits | 01-04-2009 | 93 |
| 2004 | Wine Advocate | 01-10-2008 | 93 |
| 2003 | International Wine Cellar | 01-04-2008 | 89 |
| 2003 | Wine Advocate | 01-10-2007 | 90 |
| 2003 | Wine Spectator | 30-04-2008 | 91 |
| 2003 | International Wine Cellar | 01-04-2008 | 89 |
| 2003 | Wine Advocate | 01-10-2007 | 90 |
| 2003 | Wine Spectator | 30-04-2008 | 91 |
| 2001 | Falstaff | 01-01-1970 | 91 |
| 2000 | Wine & Spirits | 01-06-2005 | 92 |
| 2000 | Wine Spectator | 15-06-2004 | 92 |
| 2000 | Wine & Spirits | 01-06-2005 | 92 |
| 2000 | Wine Spectator | 15-06-2004 | 92 |
| 1999 | Wine Spectator | 01-01-2004 | 91 |
| 1997 | Wine Spectator | 16-11-2001 | 92 |