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€64,03
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Vintage:
2016
Denomination:
Valtellina Superiore
Grape variety:
nebbiolo
Origin:
Italy, Lombardy
Alcohol:
13.5%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
18°
Refinement:
long aging in large casks and bottle
When to drink:
Dinner, Business Lunch, Meditation
Type:
Red Wine
Taste:
harmonious, intense, with fine tannins and a long mineral finish
Flavorings:
ripe red berries, spices, alpine herbs, mineral notes
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What wine is Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe
The Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe is born in the heart of Sassella, the most famous subzone of Valtellina Superiore, a mountainous region with an extraordinary winemaking vocation in Lombardy. Made from Nebbiolo grapes (locally called Chiavennasca), this red wine represents one of the purest and most authentic expressions of the Valtellina territory. It is a medium-bodied wine, elegant and complex, capable of conveying the essence of the terraced vineyards and the rocks that give its label its name.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage is remembered in Valtellina for its climatic balance: warm but not torrid summers and good temperature variations between day and night. These conditions allowed for a slow and regular ripening of the grapes, bringing healthy and fragrant bunches to the cellar. The result is a wine with extraordinary freshness, a fine aromatic profile, and a structure capable of evolving elegantly over time.
Vinification and Aging
After manual harvesting, the grapes are fermented with a long maceration on the skins (i.e., prolonged contact between the must and the solid parts of the grape, to extract color and aromas). Fermentation takes place in wooden vats, followed by a prolonged aging in large oak barrels for several years. Subsequently, the wine rests in the bottle, where it matures and achieves its full harmony. This artisanal process is one of the hallmarks of the Arpepe style and a distinctive feature of great mountain Nebbiolos.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, the Rocce Rosse 2016 presents itself with a bright garnet red color, transparent but intense, a typical sign of Valtellina Nebbiolo. Its nuanced tone anticipates a refined and profound wine.
Nose
On the nose, it opens elegantly with hints of ripe red fruits, black cherry and raspberry, followed by floral notes of violet and delicate nuances of spices and undergrowth. With aeration, mineral tones emerge and a freshness that recalls stone and mountain, distinctive traits of the Sassella terroir.
Palate
On the palate, it is a wine of great balance. The body is fine but present, supported by velvety tannins and a pronounced acidity that guarantees its longevity. The persistence is long, with an elegant finish that recalls red fruits, aromatic herbs, and a pleasant savory mineral vein.
What to pair with Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe
The Rocce Rosse 2016 is a versatile yet refined wine that finds its best expression with traditional dishes and strong-flavored cuisines. Perfect for an important dinner or for those who wish to discover the authenticity of mountain wines.
- Red meats grilled or roasted, such as beef or lamb.
- Aged and flavorful cheeses, including goat or cow's milk cheeses.
- Typical Valtellina dishes such as pizzoccheri or polenta taragna.
- Autumn cuisine and dishes based on mushrooms or game.
Its elegance and freshness also allow for more daring pairings, for example with vegetarian dishes based on legumes or seasonal vegetables.
Storage and aging: how to store Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe wine
The Rocce Rosse 2016 is a wine designed to last over time. If well stored, it can evolve for over twenty years, developing extraordinary complexity and depth.
- Storage temperature: around 12-14°C, away from heat sources and direct light.
- Bottle position: lying down, to keep the cork moist and prevent air infiltration.
- Environment: stable, with moderate humidity and little temperature fluctuation.
Those who choose to wait a few years will be rewarded with an even more harmonious wine, where the tannins mellow and the fruity notes blend with balsamic and mineral accents. It is one of the best expressions of Arpepe's winemaking art, capable of exciting today and surprising in the future.
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 Best Open and Serve Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe, position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass when pouring. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, handle it gently to avoid disturbing the deposits.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal serving temperature for Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe is approximately 18°C. If the wine is too cold, the aromas may remain closed; if too warm, the alcohol might overpower the delicate aromas of the Alpine Nebbiolo. If necessary, leave the bottle in a cool place or in a bucket with room temperature water to reach the ideal degree.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a double-lever corkscrew to avoid breaking the cork, which is often more fragile in mature wines. Cut the capsule below the neck ring, clean the rim with a clean cloth, and insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork. Extract slowly without jerking. Should the cork break, use a blade corkscrew to remove fragments without damaging the wine.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Immediately after opening, check the cork: it should have a clean wine aroma, free of mold or oxidation notes. Pour a small quantity of Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe into a glass and taste to ensure the wine is sound. A brief period of "closure" is normal in wines of this age and will be mitigated by decanting.
5. Decanting and Aeration
For a wine of this elegance and complexity, decanting is recommended. Slowly pour the contents into a clean carafe, holding the bottle tilted and observing for the appearance of sediments. Allow Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe to aerate for 45–60 minutes. The air will help the wine to open up, fully developing its aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and the mineral notes typical of "Rocce Rosse" (Red Rocks).
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large, structured red wine glasses, which promote aeration and the perception of complex aromas. Fill them one-third full to allow proper aeration during tasting. If serving multiple people, pour carefully from the carafe to avoid residual sediments, starting with small quantities to allow each person to appreciate the evolution of the wine in the glass.
7. Storage After Opening
If you don't consume the entire bottle, reseal it hermetically with an aroma-preserving stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Under these conditions, Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 'Rocce Rosse' 2016 - Arpepe will maintain its characteristics for 1–2 days. Before serving again, slowly bring it back to serving temperature to appreciate its complexity and harmony once more.
