What kind of wine is Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe?
The Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe is an elegant expression of Nebbiolo from the Alps, a grape variety locally known as Chiavennasca. This red wine is born among the steep and sunny terraces of the Sassella area, one of the most celebrated crus of the Valtellina Superiore DOCG, where the vines cling to the rock and yield fruits of rare finesse. The result is a medium-bodied wine, harmonious and characterized by a surprising vibrancy, enchanting with its purity and mountain authenticity.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage in Valtellina is remembered for the excellent balance between phenolic ripeness and freshness. The harvest, which took place at the end of October, allowed for healthy and concentrated grapes to be picked, thanks to a climate alternating between sunny days and cool nights. These conditions enhanced the aromaticity of Nebbiolo and the finesse of its tannins, delivering a particularly balanced and long-lived version of 'Nuova Regina'.
Winemaking and Aging
After spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, maceration on the skins occurs for several weeks to extract color and structure without making the wine heavy. Aging continues for a long time in large oak barrels, a choice that allows the Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe to achieve a perfect balance between fragrance, minerality, and the softness of its tannins.
Tasting Notes
'Nuova Regina' is a wine that tells the story of the mountains and Arpepe's patient hand, combining tradition and delicacy at every stage of the tasting.
Color
Visually, it presents a luminous garnet red, transparent and refined, a distinctive sign of great mountain Nebbiolo wines.
Nose
The aroma is fine and complex: notes of cherry and pomegranate emerge, followed by spicy nuances and balsamic hints. With aeration, scents of mountain herbs and wet stone open up, making the overall impression deep and elegant.
Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious, playing on balance and precision. The sip is marked by silky tannins and a lively freshness that supports the fruit until the long, persistent finish. It is an essential wine in the noblest sense of the term: authentic, measured, and of great finesse.
Food Pairings for Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe
Perfect for accompanying traditional mountain cuisine and medium-structured dishes, it enhances flavors without overpowering them. Among the best combinations:
- Tagliatelle with venison or porcini mushroom ragù
- Valtellina pizzoccheri
- Aged hard cheeses
- Roasted or braised red meats
Thanks to its elegance and freshness, it can also be enjoyed on its own, as a meditation wine.
Storage and Aging – How to store Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe wine
To best preserve its qualities, Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe should be stored horizontally, in a cool environment free from direct light, with a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C. Thanks to its structure and great freshness, it possesses significant aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, gradually developing more complex and harmonious aromas over time.
A collector's wine for those who love to discover the authenticity of mountain Nebbiolo and wish to add a bottle of rare elegance and personality to their cellar.
Ar.Pe.Pe.
The story of the Ar.pe.pe winery The Ar.pe.pe winery, a name that resonates with respect among wine enthusiasts, is rooted in a tradition that marries heritage and innovation. Founded in the heart of Valtellina, it proudly carries on a family legacy synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. This...
How to open and best serve Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe, it is important to position it correctly. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, place it upright at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the natural sediments of aged wines to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass during pouring.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe best expresses its aromatic complexity at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C. If the bottle is too cold, the aromas will be diminished; if too warm, the alcohol will overpower the bouquet. You can cool it slightly in a bucket with water and ice for a few minutes, or let it rest at room temperature if it comes from a cool cellar.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever or double-action corkscrew to gently open the bottle. Remove the capsule below the glass ring to prevent it from touching the wine during pouring. Insert the screw into the center of the cork and proceed slowly, extracting it without jerking. In the case of a fragile cork, typical of wines with several years of aging, use a two-pronged cork puller to prevent breakage.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, smell the cork to check for any unpleasant musty or corked odors. Pour a small sample into the glass and evaluate the color and aroma. The Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe should present elegant notes of ripe red fruits, fine spices, and mineral nuances typical of mountain Nebbiolo wines.
5. Decanting and Aeration
It is recommended to decant the wine for 30-60 minutes before serving. Decanting allows for the separation of any sediments and promotes proper aeration, which helps to release the aromatic complexity. Pour slowly and continuously into a clean, transparent decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and light behind it to check for any residue.
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large Nebbiolo or Burgundy glasses, which allow for perfect aeration and concentration of aromas. Pour about one-third of the glass to allow for aeration during tasting. Pair the Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe with red meat dishes, game, or aged cheeses to enhance its elegant and mineral profile.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed completely, reseal the bottle with the original cork or a special vacuum stopper. Store the wine in a cool, dark place, preferably at a constant temperature. The Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Nuova Regina' 2016 - Arpepe can maintain its quality for 1-2 days after opening, especially if stored in the refrigerator and then brought back to serving temperature before consumption.