Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Stella Retica 2017

Ar.Pe.Pe. specializes in two terroirs within Valtellina, Lombardia: Sassella and Grumello. The vineyards of Grumello have more slate and sand in the soil so the wines tend to be lighter and more about minerality. The geology of Sassella is more clay based so the wines tend to be the more structured and powerful of the two zones.

Stella Retica is made from the rocky upper parcels of the Sassella zone. “Sassella” means rocky in the local dialect and a quick visit to the vineyards shows you why the area earned that reputation.

This single-vineyard Nebbiolo from Ar.Pe.Pe is the spiciest and woodsiest of the estate’s cuvées. Notes of red fruits, forest floor, underbrush, and sweet spice are harmonized by bright acid and gritty yet well-integrated tannins. Bring this bottle to Sunday Supper with friends and instantly become everyone’s favorite dinner guest.