Description
In 1984, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, rich with experience from his father’s and grandfather’s wine estate, gave birth to Arpepe, with the objective of developing to its full potential the unique growing area that is the Valtellina. Embodying all the pride and tenacity required for such an undertaking, he started off by producing a long-aged Nebbiolo, following the dictates of the centuries-old local tradition. Today, Isabella, Emanuele and Guido continue the work of their father, with the invaluable assistance of carefully selected, state-of-the-art technology and a passionate and youthful team.
Valtellina is a glacier-carved valley set in the Alpi Retiche and Orobie, extending 120 km from the Stelvio Pass to the Como Lake. The south-facing terraced vineyards are set into the Alpine slope like some precious jewel, and they are warmed by the sun from dawn to sunset, tempered by the cool winds from the north. The dry-stone rock walls hold in the nutrient-poor soils composed of flaked metamorphic rock; here, since pre-Roman times, the roots of the Nebbiolo delle Alpi have found nourishment for developing a rich genetic diversity that has no peer. Today, at harvest, the clusters are carried on the pickers’ shoulders in small baskets to the cellar, hewn into the mountain, where the juice is fermented in acacia, chestnut, and oak large barrels.
In growing years in which the ripening progress of the grapes presages a fermentation and maturation that will showcase the youthful qualities of the Nebbiolo delle Alpi, they produce our Valtellina Superiore. Sassella, Grumello, and Inferno areas are the heart of this DOCG, in which the grapes, growing at elevations of 400-600 metres, best convey the delicate balance between the grapevine and its challenging growing conditions. The carefully selected clusters are harvested at the moment of perfect ripeness, then the must ferments and macerates in wooden vats for a period that varies according to the growing year. The characteristics and quality of the tannins determine the length of maturation, between 12 and 24 months, in large barrels, followed by a bottle-ageing of at least 12 months.
Pettirosso is a blend of fruit from the Sassella, Grumello, and Inferno top-tier vineyards. In our opinion, this is an unmissable cuvee for all Nebbiolo lovers and Arpepe fans alike. There is dusty dry tannin structure from the 4 months it spends on skins. Soft notes of cedar wood and delicate musk has been imparted from time resting in the barrel. Sensational drinking.
“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 Galloni, Vinous Media
Review for 2015 .. 94 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “A lithe wine of slender frame yet notable impact, juicy and yet drawn taut by tannins, stretches long and fine through the palate on rails of acidity and almost amaro-like flavours. Sour cherry, mix of dried Italian herbs, faint musk, some truffle-y notes. It’s a stellar wine for its understatement and freshness. Super stuff here.”
RRP $100 *Our Special Price $89.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
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