"Sassella Rocce Rosse" Riserva Valtellina Superiore DOC 1996

750ml

Overview

The Arpepe "Sassella Rocce Rosse" Riserva Valtellina Superiore DOC 1996 is a remarkable, aged Nebbiolo-based wine from one of the most respected wineries in the Valtellina region, Arpepe. This Riserva comes from the Sassella sub-zone, which is known for its rocky, steep vineyards that produce some of the most elegant and complex wines in Valtellina. The 1996 vintage, with its extended aging, is a beautifully matured example of Nebbiolo that reflects the region’s terroir and winemaking traditions. It showcases deep complexity, richness, and finesse, while maintaining the structure and acidity typical of high-quality Nebbiolo wines.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes for the Sassella Rocce Rosse Riserva were hand-harvested from steep, terraced vineyards in the Sassella area. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats using native yeasts, allowing the wine to express the full range of flavors from the Nebbiolo grape.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine was aged for a long period in large Slavonian oak barrels, where it spent around 24 months to gain complexity and structure. Following barrel aging, the wine was bottled and remained in the cellar for several more years before release, allowing it to mature gracefully and develop secondary aromas and flavors.
• Additional Details: The wine was neither fined nor filtered, preserving its natural characteristics and ensuring that it showcases the authenticity of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a deep, garnet color with slight orange hues, a sign of its age and evolution. It shows excellent clarity and a hint of oxidative development.
• Aroma: On the nose, it is highly aromatic, with mature scents of dried red fruit like cherry and raspberry, mingled with notes of rose petals, tobacco, and leather. There are also savory nuances of dried herbs, truffle, and a touch of balsamic. Over time, it reveals earthy undertones and a hint of spice from the oak aging.
• Palate: The wine is medium to full-bodied, with a velvety texture and smooth tannins. The fruit flavors are more subdued, giving way to tertiary notes of dried fruit, tobacco, and forest floor. The acidity is well-integrated, providing balance to the wine, while the finish is long and persistent, with a slight mineral edge that reflects the Valtellina terroir.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs excellently with rich, savory dishes, particularly those featuring roasted meats, braised lamb, or game. It also complements aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, as well as truffle-infused dishes. Additionally, it works well with hearty pasta dishes like pappardelle with wild boar ragu.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to allow the wine’s complex bouquet and mature flavors to fully emerge.
• Decanting: Decanting is highly recommended, especially for older bottles, as it helps the wine open up and reveal its intricate layers.

Aging Potential

The ARPEPE "Sassella Rocce Rosse" Riserva Valtellina Superiore DOC 1996 has already aged beautifully and is at its peak of maturity. However, it could continue to develop in bottle for a few more years, with a potential aging window through 2025–2030.