Ar.Pe.Pe Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Sassella Stella Retica 2022

Ar.Pe.Pe’s Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Sassella Stella Retica 2022 is a striking mountain Nebbiolo that captures the energy and elegance of Lombardy’s alpine vineyards. Taut, refined and quietly expressive, it offers a vivid sense of place with the kind of finesse that makes Sassella one of Valtellina’s most compelling crus.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it typically shows a translucent ruby hue with a graceful, lifted profile rather than deep colour. The nose leans toward red cherries, wild berries, rose petal, alpine herbs and a distinct mineral edge, with subtle earthy and spicy nuances emerging with air. On the palate, it is tense yet supple, with bright acidity, fine-grained tannins and a cool, savoury finish that reflects its mountain origins. The wine combines precision with charm, and while already approachable, it should gain additional depth and complexity with time in bottle.

Production
Sourced from the Sassella zone in Valtellina, where steep terraced vineyards sit on rocky, sun-exposed slopes in Lombardy, this wine reflects a distinctly alpine terroir. The grapes are typically harvested by hand due to the challenging terrain, and vinification is handled carefully to preserve the delicacy and aromatic purity of Nebbiolo grown at altitude.

Food & Serving
This is an excellent match for game birds, roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, braised veal, or alpine cheeses. Serve slightly cool, around 16–18°C, and consider a brief decant if drinking young to allow its aromatic detail and structure to open up.

Producer
Ar.Pe.Pe. is one of the great names of Valtellina, a family-run producer that has helped preserve and elevate the reputation of Nebbiolo in Lombardy’s mountain valleys. Known for its meticulous farming and benchmark expressions of terroir, the estate is widely respected for wines that balance tradition, precision and a strong sense of place.