Italian Alpine Champ: Valtellina's ARPEPE Nebbiolo

Late winery releases are uncommon. But, one name in this sphere is the resounding answer for Nebbiolo lovers. Valtellina's ARPEPE, taking its name from founder ARturo PElizzati-PErego, ages all their late-release wines in bottle at this Lombardy alpine estate. If Alto Piemonte lives in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Valtellina finds itself right inside them.

Three hours northeast of Piedmont puts this mountain setting in a Nebbiolo world unto itself. High portions of sand in the rocky alpine vineyards lend a paler color to the wines than we see in the Langhe and Alto Piemonte, and tannins are whispy. ARPEPE is no stranger to the spotlight––it just took a little longer than it should have. In 2018, Gambero Rosso named ARPEPE's late-release 2007 Italian Red Wine of the Year.

 

Grumello Rocca de Piro comes from 50-100-yr-old vines from Grumello's single vineyards Buon Consiglio and San Antonio. 110-day maceration on skins. Aged 18 months in 50HL casks. And then 24 months in bottle.

Inferno Fiamme Antiche comes from the Inferno subzone with southern exposure. Macerated over 54 days on skins and aged in old 50hl casks and stainless steel.

Sassella Ultimi Raggi Riserva comes from the highest-elevation vines in Sassella––over 600 meters. Macerated on skins for 58 days in 50hl wooden vats and aged 39 months in cask before an additional three years in bottle.

Inferno Sesto Camto Riserva comes from the Inferno subzone with southern exposure. Macerated over 70 days on skins and aged in old 50hl casks and then 3 years in bottle.

Sassella Rocce Rosse Riserva comes from Sassella and is macerated on skins for 69 days in 50hl wooden vats, then aged 39 months in cask before three years of bottle aging.

Grumello Buon Consigli Riserva comes from the Grumello subzone and is macerated on skins for 83 days in 50hl wooden vats, then aged 39 months in cask before three years of bottle aging.