ArPePe Sassella Rocce Rosse Riserva
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
The Ar. Pe. Pe. 2016 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Rocce Rosse is initially understated with timid primary fruit blood orange and apricot. There is a pretty spiciness as well with dried cinnamon stick nutmeg and tanned leather. The wine needs time and if you come back to the glass after a little pause it sings with greater intensity and balance. This is a release of 25302 bottles that sees 97 days on the skins and 34 months of wood and cement aging. Ar. Pe. Pe. is one of the standout estates of northern Italy. I tasted two beautiful wines from the 2019 vintage that saw warm growing conditions for big aromas and softer tannins. Indeed I'm told that aging times were slightly reduced as a result to make up for more concentrated fruit. On the books 2021 and 2016 are stellar vintages although in this case I found the two Riservas from 2016 to be less expressive and slightly closed at this time. Ar. Pe. Pe. farms in sandy acidic soils with little clay but lots of metamorphic rock and granite. The vines are planted from 300 to 600 meters above sea level in these beautiful mountains. Published: Jan 25 2024
2013: "Made in high-altitude mountain vineyards, this classy, fragrant Nebbiolo combines structure, depth, elegance and personality. It features enticing scents of pressed rose, Alpine herb, new leather, camphor and wild red berry while the lithe, delicous palate delivers raspberry compote, cinammon, tobacco and star anise alongside firm but extremely refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced and energized while a flinty mineral note lingers on the close. Just gorgeous. Drink through 2043." Cellar Selections. —K.O.
