“The wines are deserving of serious attention”: New Releases from Ar.Pe.Pe.
Posted on: 10/23/18 12:01 PM
Ar.Pe.Pe, one of Northern Italy’s hottest producers, crafts hauntingly elegant Nebbiolos from the steep, unforgiving slopes of Lombardy’s Valtellina where Nebbiolo is known by the regional name Chiavennasca. The Nebbiolos from this part of the world are more delicate, airy and longer than either Barolo or Barbaresco, but more than make up for it with their finesse, depth of flavor and impeccable balance. With little wonder, this small pocket of Italy has become a hotbed of intense interest from every corner of the wine universe. From legendary importer Neal Rosenthal to fanatical connoisseurs to hipster sommeliers, the quality of the wines from this region speaks for themselves and have inspired a crazed devotion.
“These wines from Ar.Pe.Pe. (an abbreviation of founder Arturo Pelizzatti Perego’s initials) are among the most impressive I tasted for this article. From top to bottom, the wines are deserving of serious attention. The super-traditional style will leave lovers of translucent Nebbiolo weak at the knees. Ar.Pe.Pe. releases many of their top wines with a good bit of bottle age, which makes them terrific choices for readers looking for Nebbiolo with the nuances that can only develop over time. Perhaps most importantly, Ar.Pe.Pe. shows just how pedigreed the wines of Valtellina can be.” – Antonio Gallon
The balance of new and library releases, means that we get a rare opportunity afforded us: the great joy of access to pristine mature wine, as well as young fresh examples for our cellars, or our tables. This is a real pleasure to offer and one I hope you all take advantage of, as these are among Italy’s most exciting wines.
New Releases:
2009 Inferno Riserva “Sesto Canto” Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
The “Sesto Canto” vineyard rests on the third bend of the road called “Circuito dell’Inferno” at 450 m.a.s.l, the same circuit that starred Arturo in numerous editions of the Valtellina Rally Cup, his other great passion. In 2009 Isabella and Guido decided that it was time to give life to his dream: Valtellina Superiore Inferno Riserva Sesto Canto DOCG. Vinification: 49 days in 50 hl wooden vats. Elevage: 5 years in vats and barrels of 50 hl, steel, bottle.
2009 Grumello Riserva “Sant’ Antonio” Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
Concept: The church of Sant’Antonio a Montagna in Valtellina is situated directly to the east of Rocca De Piro. 450 meters above sea level. Giovanna, Isabella’s mother, was married to Arturo in that same church on September 4, 1969. The 2009 cuvee pays homage to their nuptials exactly 40 years later. Vinification: 45 days in 50 hl wooden vats. Elevage: 5 years in vats and chestnut barrels of 50 hl, steel, bottle.
Core Cuvées:
2015 Rosso di Valtellina D.O.C.
Area of Production: Grumello and Sassella zone, Municipalities of Sondrio and Montagna in Valtellina. Cepage: 100% Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) Elevage: stainless steel, 3 months in oak wood barrels (50 Hl), at least 3 months in bottle.
2012 Grumello “Rocca de Piro” Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
This represents the second vin of Ar.Pe.Pe.’s “Buon Consiglio”. It is only made in those vintages when the Buon Consiglio is not considered of “Cru” quality and, hence, not released. Elevage: stainless steel, 2 years in oak wood barrels (50 Hl), at least 6 months in bottle.
2012 Sassella “Stella Retica” Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
This represents the second vin of Ar.Pe.Pe.’s “Rocco Rosse”. It is only made in those vintages when the Rocce Rosse is not considered of “Cru” quality and, hence, not released. Elevage: stainless steel, 2 years in oak wood barrels (50 Hl), at least 6 months in bottle.
2005 Grumello “Buon Consiglio” Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
Only Nebbiolo grapes from the best areas of Grumello go into this genuine mountain wine, which thanks to traditional wine making techniques, concentrates the most typical characteristics of the extreme yet generous Valtellina terroir in the glass. The velvety palate and the intense flavours, with floral notes, perfectly match all regional cuisine from Lombardy. Elevage: stainless steel, 3 years in oak wood barrels (50 Hl), at least 1 year in bottle.
2007 Sassella “Rocce Rosse” Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
Area of Production: Sassella zone, Municipality of Sondrio. Elevage: stainless steel, 3-4 years in chestnut wood barrels (40 Hl), at least 1 year in bottle. Notes: 2018 Gambero Rosso Italian wine of the year and 98 pts. Wine Advocate.
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