2016 Arpepe Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Ultimi Raggi

Highly Rated
Ar.Pe.Pe |Valtellina |Nebbiolo
Riserva Nebbiolo from the highest point in the Sassella subzone. A very special cuvee from Ar.Pe.Pe.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

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Sale price$190.00
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Description

The 'Riserva' releases from Ar.Pe.Pe are special wines only produced in growing seasons deemed to be truly exceptional. For the last 15 years, there have only been five seasons deemed worthy enough to create the Riserva cuvees, with this, the 2016, being the most recent of them.

The Ultimi Raggi (translating to 'last rays') comes from the highest point of the Sassella subregion of Valtellina, sitting at 600m above sea level. The fruit sees a long maceration time, sometimes 100+ days if deemed necessary, followed by extended ageing in big oak botti and bottle.

This is a truly fine wine from Ar.Pe.Pe, showing off the uniqueness of the area it comes from. It may be a while between drinks for the next Riserva release, so if you're keen to try this exceptional wine we recommend to hop in quick...

This wine, born in 1999 from an Arturo's idea, plays on the slightly drying of the grapes in the vineyards, up to 600 meters above sea level, at the highest point of Sassella, in the zone called "Ere".

The right waiting time to reach the right degree of phenolic ripening of the grapes can take some weeks later than in the vineyards below. The variations in temperature between day and night during the harvest add strength to the skins and concentrate the sugars. The fruit slowly dries in the wind, while still attached to the vine, as it prepares for its winter rest. Just before the snow comes, between the middle and end of November, the grapes are picked, gently crushed and pressed in a wooden vat. At the first racking, it is completely dry and acidity levels are quite pronounced. The super-ripeness mitigates the nervous tannins of Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Ultimi Raggi DOCG and ageing in large barrels smoothens out its rich texture.

95 Points - "Cherry, blackberry, plum, dried mint, spicy too, and kind of peppery, but rich fruit is the message. Medium-bodied, stony and intense, almond and dried flowers, panforte, a dark chocolate and orange bitterness, fine sandy tannin, and nutty cherry flavours on a long and stony finish. It has power, but it keeps itself fresh and lively. A wine of distinct and persuasive personality." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
2 reviews
  • Jacob L.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Interesting aged nebbiolo

    Delicious tertiary notes but drink up, the wine fade quickly after opening.

  • Jacob L.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Delicious

    Entering a prime window now - seriously good

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Ar.Pe.Pe

Arpepe is an historic estate based in Valtellina in the very north of Italy, specialising in Nebbiolo, with an alpine twist.

Arpepe, is often written as Ar.Pe.Pe. which are the initials of the modern founding father, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego. The family have been growing Nebbiolo here since 1860 but Arturo founded the modern incarnation in 1984. The variety is known locally as Chiavennasca.

The family now have over 13 hectares within Valtellina Superiore DOCG area, around the areas of Sassella, Grumello and Inferno, making a bewildering amount of different Nebbiolo. They all reflect an overarching philosophy of viticultural practice in synergy with the rhythms of the Alps, and slow, long maturation in the cellar.

Arpepe Vineyards - Valtellina, Italy Arpepe

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