Arpepe Sassella Rocce Rosse Riserva 2016

Ar.Pe.Pe. Sassella Rocce Rosse Riserva 2016
Valtellina Superiore DOCG – Mountain Nebbiolo at its finest
Heroic viticulture on granite terraces | Riserva | Only in top vintages

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Description
Ar.Pe.Pe. stands for Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, the visionary founder of this Alpine jewel nestled in Valtellina, northern Lombardy. This is one of the most dramatic and stunning wine regions in the world, where viticulture is truly heroic: vines grow on vertiginous granite terraces, carved since Roman times, and require suspended carts to safely transport grapes.

The Rocce Rosse vineyard lies at 400 meters altitude, within the steep slopes of Sassella. Its name ("Red Rocks") reflects the raw, mineral terrain of this ancient site. Fermentation takes place in 50-hL wooden vats, with maceration lasting 97 days, followed by 34 months of aging in the same large casks and additional months in cement tanks.

Produced only in outstanding vintages, Rocce Rosse Riserva is a Nebbiolo of pristine purity, extraordinary finesse, and mountain soul. The Pelizzatti Perego siblings — Isabella, Emanuele, and Guido — continue their family’s fourth-generation legacy with a focus solely on Valtellina Nebbiolo, and a philosophy of minimal intervention and deep respect for time and terroir.

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Technical Details
Producer: Ar.Pe.Pe. (Arturo Pelizzatti Perego)
Region: Valtellina Superiore DOCG – Lombardia, Italy
Vineyard: Rocce Rosse, Sassella
Grape: 100% Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)
Altitude: 400 meters
Soil: Decomposed granite
Viticulture: Manual, organic, heroic (terraced slopes)
Maceration: 97 days in 50-hL wooden vats
Ageing: 34 months in large oak vats + time in cement
Farming: Minimal intervention

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Tasting Notes
Delicate ruby hue with high transparency. On the nose, noble complexity: dried flowers, cherry liqueur, wet stone, subtle smoke and alpine herbs. On the palate, it’s linear, mineral and focused, with sculpted tannins and firm acidity that extend the finish for minutes.

A contemplative Nebbiolo that speaks of rock, altitude and silence. Long-lived and emotionally evocative.

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Critic Score
96 Points – Robert Parker
"There is a pretty spiciness as well, with dried cinnamon stick, nutmeg and tanned leather."

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Suggested Pairings
– Wild boar or venison ragù
– Grilled dry-aged beef
– Black truffle risotto
– Aged alpine cheeses (e.g. Bitto, Parmigiano Reggiano 36 months)