Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella 'Nuova Regina' Ar.Pe.Pe. 2018

The renowned Lombard wine estate Ar.Pe.Pe. presents the Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella ‘Nuova Regina’, a red wine endowed with a fresh and elegant alpine character. The vineyard of ‘Nuova Regina’, located in the prestigious Sassella subzone, next to the ‘Rocce Rosse’ parcel, is a very old cru mentioned for generations, probably even before Giovanni Pelizzatti, ancestor of the current owners of Ar.Pe.Pe., began trading wine in Switzerland back in 1860.

The Sassella Superiore Valtellina Riserva ‘Nuova Regina’ by Ar.Pe.Pe. is produced solely from Nebbiolo grapes, represented by the local Chiavennasca clone, cultivated at an altitude between 450 and 550 meters above sea level. The vines are very old and rest on particularly rocky soils with a southeast exposure. The hand-picked bunches are fermented in 50 hectoliter wooden vats, accompanied by 3 months of skin maceration. The subsequent aging period lasts for 34 months and takes place in a combination of wooden barrels, cement tanks, and bottle.

The Valtellina Superiore ‘Nuova Regina’ Sassella Riserva Ar.Pe.Pe. is characterized by a fascinating bright ruby red hue. The nose emerges with breadth and elegance, with aromas of small red fruits, rose petals, mint, underbrush, and alpine herbs blending with deep spicy tones. Soft and flavorful is the progression on the palate, with a silky tannic texture and lifted freshness accompanying the long balsamic and mineral finish. The producer's advice is to serve this fine Valtellina Riserva slightly chilled in a large glass that can enhance its varied aromatic spectrum.