Monte San Piero: Discovering the Volcanic Soil of Soave
A Different Expression of Soave
When many wine drinkers think about Soave, they often imagine light and easy white wines. But in the volcanic hills of eastern Veneto, producers like Sandro De Bruno are proving that the region is capable of something far more profound.
One of the most striking examples we recently experienced was Monte San Piero, a Soave Classico Superiore DOCG made entirely from Garganega grown on the volcanic slopes of Monte Calvarina.
This wine quickly became one of our most memorable discoveries — and unfortunately one of the fastest to disappear from our cellar.
Volcanic Terroir: The Signature of Monte Calvarina
The vineyards of Sandro De Bruno lie on the slopes of Monte Calvarina, an ancient volcanic formation whose basaltic soils shape the character of the wines grown here.
Volcanic soils are particularly important in this part of Soave. They tend to produce wines with saline minerality, tension and depth, qualities that set them apart from wines grown on the limestone soils found elsewhere in the region.
At elevations reaching several hundred meters above sea level, the vineyards also benefit from strong day–night temperature differences, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining freshness and aromatic precision.
A Patient Approach to Winemaking
Monte San Piero is not a wine built for immediacy.
After hand harvesting in late October, the grapes undergo a careful vinification process that includes cold skin maceration and fermentation in French oak tonneaux. The wine then spends 18 months ageing on fine lees, a technique that adds texture and complexity.
The result is a Soave that combines richness and structure with vibrant freshness.
In the Glass
In the glass, Monte San Piero shows a deep golden color and remarkable concentration.
The aromatic profile is layered and evolving, revealing notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus zest, exotic fruit and subtle almond nuances, accompanied by floral hints and delicate spice.
On the palate, the wine is powerful yet balanced, with vibrant acidity and a distinctive saline mineral finish that clearly reflects its volcanic origin.
A Wine That Left an Impression
The bottles we received sold out quickly — something that often happens with wines that combine strong identity with limited production.
But the experience left a lasting impression.
Monte San Piero reminds us that Soave, when grown on the right soils and crafted with patience, can produce wines of extraordinary depth and elegance.
And it is exactly these kinds of discoveries that continue to inspire our search for unique wines across Italy.
Our special thanks go to Elisa Bosco, our Italian partner with an incredible taste and nose for values, authenticity, uniqueness and quality.