LOMBARDY Arpepe – Sassella Stella Retica 0.75L

Designation of Origin: Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Color: red

Type: still

Grape variety: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)

Alcohol content: 13.5%

Bottling location: Sondrio (SO) ITALY

Description:

An intense ruby ​​red in color with garnet highlights that evolve toward brick red with age, it presents a complex and elegant bouquet on the nose with notes of red berries, violets, sweet spices, fine woods, alpine herbs, and the iron minerality typical of the schist soils of Sassella. On the palate, it is structured yet elegant, with fine, well-integrated tannins, lively acidity, and a lingering finish with balsamic and mineral notes. The terroir is enhanced by the unique exposure and Alpine microclimate. It pairs splendidly with roast red meats, game birds, and aged Valtellina cheeses such as Valtellina Casera DOP and Bitto. Perfect with traditional mountain dishes such as venison stew, maltagliati pasta with hare sauce, and mountain cheeses.

Sassella represents one of the most prestigious historic subzones of Valtellina, where Ar.Pe.Pe. produces the legendary "Rocce Rosse," the first wine under the company's new direction since 1984. This subzone is distinguished by its schist soils and particularly favorable exposure, and the wine's name itself pays homage to the edelweiss flowers that dot the high-altitude meadows of Valtellina. Vinification involves spontaneous fermentation and a long maceration lasting approximately 120 days in 50-hectoliter truncated cone-shaped wooden vats. The wine ages for 18 months in 50-hectoliter vats and barrels, then matures in concrete and finally in bottle for approximately a year, following the philosophy of long aging that characterizes the Ar.Pe.Pe style.