"Grumello Rocca de Piro" 2015

750ml

Overview

Arpepe "Grumello Rocca de Piro" 2015 is a captivating red wine from the renowned Arpepe winery, located in the Valtellina region of northern Italy. This wine comes from one of the top crus of Grumello, a subzone within Valtellina that is known for its high-quality Nebbiolo wines. The 2015 vintage of "Rocca de Piro" showcases the elegance and complexity of Nebbiolo, with a perfect balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. The wine reflects Arpepe’s commitment to traditional, organic winemaking practices and their dedication to expressing the unique terroir of the Alps. It’s a wine that invites both casual enjoyment and deeper exploration, making it a standout example of high-altitude Nebbiolo.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes for "Grumello Rocca de Piro" are hand-harvested from the steep terraces of the Grumello cru. The winemaking process follows traditional methods, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts. This allows the wine to express its true character without any interference from commercial yeasts.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended aging process to develop its full complexity. It is aged for a minimum of 24 months, partly in large oak barrels and partly in smaller barrels, which enhances both the structure and the subtle oak influence.
• Additional Details: The wine is then bottled without filtration, preserving its natural purity and allowing it to evolve further in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a bright ruby red color with garnet reflections, a classic indicator of Nebbiolo’s aging potential.
• Aroma: On the nose, "Grumello Rocca de Piro" offers an elegant bouquet of red fruit aromas, including cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. These are complemented by floral notes of rose and violet, along with earthy undertones of tobacco, leather, and a hint of spice. Over time, the wine develops complex aromas of dried herbs, forest floor, and subtle balsamic hints.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a rich, yet refined texture. The tannins are present but smooth, providing structure without overpowering the fruit. Flavors of red berries, cherry, and plum are balanced by savory notes of tobacco, leather, and a touch of earthiness. The wine’s acidity is vibrant, providing freshness and length, and the finish is long and persistent with a slight mineral note.

Food Pairing

"Grumello Rocca de Piro" 2015 is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of hearty dishes. It is an excellent match for roasted meats, particularly lamb or game, as well as braised dishes like osso buco or beef stew. The wine also complements aged cheeses, truffle-based dishes, and risottos with mushrooms or red meats.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to allow the wine’s flavors and aromas to fully open.
• Decanting: Decanting is recommended, particularly for older bottles, to allow the wine to breathe and release its complex aromas.

Aging Potential

With its structure, acidity, and tannin profile, "Grumello Rocca de Piro" 2015 has excellent aging potential. It will continue to evolve and improve in the bottle for the next 10–15 years, reaching its peak maturity around 2030–2035.