2013 Arpepe Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Nuova Regina

In 1984, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, rich with experience from his father’s and grandfather’s wine estate, gave birth to Arpepe, believing in the potential of Valtellina and with the goal of producing long-aged Nebbiolos, in the tradition of this area.
Today, Isabella, Emanuele and Guido continue the work of their father. The Riserva is made only in truly extraordinary growing seasons; in the last 15 years only it has only happened 5 times: 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2016 (unreleased), 2018 (unreleased). The main criteria that determine an exceptional vintage at Arpepe is the thickness of the skins which will allows long macerations (sometimes up to 120 days on skins) and long ageing in barrel. Sassella crus are vinified and released separately as Riserva: 'Rocce Rosse', 'Nuova Regina' and 'Ultimi Raggi' (this last cru goes over 600m ASL and it is late harvested as per the old tradition of Sfursat). When the Riserva are not produced everything from Sassella is released under one lable only: Valtellina Superiore Sassella 'Stella Retica'.