Riserva Sassella DOCG – Rocce Rosse – Ar.Pe.Pe. – 2016

The wine Riserva Sassella DOCG by Ar.Pe.Pe winery

The Nebbiolo Riserva Sassella Rocce Rosse from the Ar.pe.pe winery represents the best quality of Nebbiolo from Valtellina. This reserve is produced with 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown since 1984 in the “Rocce Rosse” vineyard located 400 meters above sea level right among the rocks. The vine and wine were named “Rocce Rosse “red rocks” in memory of the ancestors of the current owners of Ar,pe.pe who “sweated blood” to start the business in this rocky territory.

THE WINEMAKING

After the manual harvest, which takes place at the end of October, the selected grapes are taken to the cellar for winemaking. Maceration takes place in 50hl wooden vats and lasts over ninety days. The wine ages in wood for at least thirty-four  months, and after blending and bottling, it rests in the cellar for a few more months before being placed on the market.

Tasting the Rocce Rosse by the Ar.Pe.Pe winery 

Intense ruby red with garnet reflections; the aroma is exquisite with pleasant fruity notes where cherry and plum in alcohol prevail, leaving room for spicy hints, particularly nutmeg and cloves, to finish with hints of leather. It is intense and well-structured on the palate. This Rocce Rosse is fresh with tannins present but well integrated and silky. The correspondence between aromas and flavour is also excellent. The finish is very long and persistent.

FOOD PAIRINGS

It goes well with red meat and hard cheeses; try it with grilled meat.

THE AWARDS

2016
– Gambero Rosso – 3 glasses