Ar.Pe.Pe Valtellina Superiore Inferno Nebbiolo Fiamme Antiche 2022

Ar.Pe.Pe Valtellina Superiore Inferno Fiamme Antiche Nebbiolo 2022 is a striking mountain red that captures the dramatic character of Valtellina’s steep, sun‑drenched terraces. Sourced from the famed Inferno subzone, this wine marries Nebbiolo’s elegance with the heat radiating off the granite cliffs that inspired its name. The result is a refined, alpine expression of Nebbiolo that stands apart from its Piedmontese cousins, with a history deeply rooted in heroic viticulture on near-vertical slopes.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Fiamme Antiche 2022 shows a luminous, transparent ruby red, reminiscent of classic Nebbiolo but with a vivid, almost ‘racing red’ hue that calls to mind the legendary Maranello color. The nose opens with lifted aromas of alpine herbs, wild rose, dried cherry, and redcurrant, layered with hints of spice, orange peel, and a subtle mineral smokiness that evokes sun-warmed stone. On the palate, the wine is finely etched and graceful rather than powerful, with precise red fruit—cherry, raspberry, and red plum—framed by very fine, polished tannins. A lively, mountain freshness runs through the core, giving it delicious drinkability and length. Notes of herbs, tea leaf, and a stony, saline edge linger on the finish. While beautifully approachable in its youth, the structure and acidity suggest a solid aging potential of 8–12 years from the vintage, during which time the tannins will further melt and more complex tertiary notes of dried flowers, forest floor, and leather will emerge.

Production
The fruit for Fiamme Antiche comes exclusively from the steep, sun-exposed slopes of Poggiridenti in the Inferno subzone of Valtellina Superiore, where vines cling to terraced granite and sandy soils at altitude. This warm, radiant terroir—where the rock face absorbs and reflects heat—helps Nebbiolo ripen fully while retaining a distinctive alpine freshness. Harvest is carried out by hand due to the dramatic gradients, with small crates used to preserve fruit integrity. In the cellar, Ar.Pe.Pe follows a traditional, low‑intervention approach: gentle crushing, long macerations to extract fine tannins rather than power, and aging in large neutral wood and bottle to highlight the purity of the Nebbiolo and the character of the Inferno terroir, rather than overt oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a superb partner for refined yet comforting dishes: think braised veal or beef, roasted lamb, game birds, mushroom risotto, polenta with slow-cooked ragù, or alpine cheeses such as Bitto, Taleggio, and aged cow’s milk tommes. Its freshness and fine tannins also make it surprisingly versatile with lighter fare like grilled salmon, charcuterie, and earthy vegetable dishes. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) to emphasize its aromatic complexity and elegance. For the 2022 vintage, a brief decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended to allow the floral and herbal notes to fully unfold, while older bottles may benefit from a gentler, shorter aeration.

Producer
Ar.Pe.Pe (short for Arturo Pelizzatti Perego) is one of Valtellina’s benchmark estates, renowned for championing a traditional, terroir-driven style of mountain Nebbiolo—locally known as Chiavennasca. The family has been cultivating these dramatic terraces in Lombardy for generations, helping to secure Valtellina’s reputation as one of Italy’s most distinctive high-altitude wine regions. Ar.Pe.Pe is especially respected for its meticulous vineyard work on steep slopes, long and patient élevage, and an unwavering commitment to finesse over power. Their wines regularly feature in top restaurant lists and critical reviews, and they are widely considered among the finest interpreters of Nebbiolo outside Piedmont, with their Inferno bottlings particularly celebrated for their intensity and character.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.