Terrapieno
2021
Valpolicella Ripasso, Terrapieno
View details →£16.85
The SommPills Cellar
Terrapieno
1 wine on the Terrapieno shelf, chosen one at a time.
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Terrapieno
1 wines on the shelf
Terrapieno is a collaboration between three winemaking friends in Verona with a partnership spanning more than two decades. Matt Thomson, winemaker at Blank Canvas, joins forces with Luca Degani of Cantina Valpantena and the late Gaetano Tobin of Cantina Monteforte to produce wines from their finest vineyards. Today, winemaker Selen Uyar carries forward Gaetano's legacy and uncompromising commitment to quality. The name 'terrapieno' — an embankment construction method used historically in northeast Italy — reflects the producers' philosophy: building something solid and enduring. The collaborators source fruit exclusively from 12 hectares of vineyard they manage directly, allowing them to make single-site wines that represent Verona's best terroir.
About Terrapieno
The story behind Terrapieno is rooted in friendship and shared ambition. Matt Thomson explains the driving idea: "Across Verona, all three of us produce considerable quantities of excellent wine. Yet Terrapieno represents something distinct—an opportunity to create wines from single vineyards that showcase the finest expressions of what the region is capable of." This focus on single vineyards distinguishes their approach from broader regional blending. The Foscarino Soave Classico comes from the Foscarino vineyard in Soave Classico, one of the region's most celebrated sites, while the Valpolicella Ripasso is sourced from a single site in the Valpantena. The producers often gathered over food and wine to discuss their vision, making the 'terrapieno' name particularly apt — historically, these embankments stored wine reserves alongside food, a nod to their collaborative spirit. This model of collaboration between established producers allows each to dedicate attention to their finest parcels without diluting focus across a larger portfolio.
Terrapieno Wines in Our Collection
The 2024 Foscarino Soave Classico (Vivino 3.8) is the entry point for understanding Terrapieno's philosophy. This white wine displays delicate yet intense aromas of hawthorn and elderflower, with dry, fresh character and excellent body from barrel ageing — almonds linger on the finish. The 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso (Vivino 3.8) shifts to red, offering vibrant ruby colour with an aromatic profile dominated by cherry blossom notes, ripe berries in the red spectrum, and jammy undertones. The palate is rich and smooth, showcasing the weight and complexity that Ripasso — a blend rested on the skins of dried Amarone grapes — brings to the classic Valpolicella blend. Both wines reflect the producers' commitment to extracting maximum character from their chosen vineyard sites rather than pursuing volume.
Food Pairing
Serve the Foscarino Soave with seafood — grilled branzino, scallops, or even raw seafood such as oysters — where its flinty minerality and hawthorn aromatics complement briny flavours. The Valpolicella Ripasso pairs naturally with game birds, risotto with mushrooms, or aged cheese. The wine's cherry and red-berry profile works equally well with tomato-based pasta dishes or slow-cooked pork. Both are versatile enough for informal gatherings yet structured enough for careful pairing.
Who are the winemakers behind Terrapieno?
Matt Thomson of Blank Canvas makes the wines. Luca Degani (Cantina Valpantena) and the late Gaetano Tobin (Cantina Monteforte) provided grapes. Current winemaker Selen Uyar leads production, with Alessandro ensuring continuity of Gaetano's legacy.
What makes Terrapieno different from other Verona producers?
Terrapieno focuses exclusively on single-site wines from 12 hectares they manage directly, rather than broader regional blending. This allows each producer to concentrate on their finest vineyard parcels.
Where do the grapes come from?
The Foscarino Soave Classico comes from the Foscarino vineyard in Soave Classico. The Valpolicella Ripasso is sourced from a single site in the Valpantena valley.
Who makes Terrapieno wines?
Terrapieno is a collaboration of three winemaking friends in Verona: Matt Thomson (Blank Canvas), Luca Degani (Cantina Valpantena), and the late Gaetano Tobin (Cantina Monteforte). Winemaker Selen Uyar now carries forward Gaetano's legacy. They source fruit from 12 hectares they manage directly.
What style of wine does Terrapieno make?
Terrapieno makes single-vineyard wines from Verona. The Foscarino Soave Classico is a green, flinty white with hawthorn and elderflower notes. The Valpolicella Ripasso is a rich red blended with dried Amarone grape skins, offering cherry blossom and jammy character.
How much does Terrapieno wine cost?
Terrapieno wines from SommPills range between £11.40 and £16. The 2024 Foscarino Soave Classico is £11.40, while the 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso is £16.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.