Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella 'Nuova Regina' Ar.Pe.Pe. 2016

The renowned Lombard winery Ar.Pe.Pe. presents Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella 'Nuova Regina,' a red wine endowed with afresh and elegant alpine character. The 'Nuova Regina' plot, 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.

Ar.Pe.Pe.'s Sassella Superiore Valtellina Riserva 'Nuova Regina' is made from only Nebbiolo grapes, represented by the local Chiavennasca clone, grown at an altitude between 450 and 550 meters above sea level. The vines are very old and rest on particularly rocky soils with a southeastern exposure. The hand-picked clusters are mounded in 50-hectoliter wooden vats for alcoholic fermentation, accompanied by as many as 3 months of maceration on the skins. The subsequent aging period lasts for 34 months and takes place in a combination of wooden barrels, concrete tanks and bottle.

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