"Sassella Stella Retica" Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015

750ml

Overview

The ARPEPE "Sassella Stella Retica" Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015 is a sophisticated expression of Nebbiolo from the Valtellina region in northern Italy. Arpepe, a renowned producer in the area, has crafted a wine that beautifully represents the unique terroir of the Sassella sub-zone. Known for its rocky, steep vineyards, Sassella produces wines that are elegant, structured, and capable of long aging. The 2015 vintage of the "Sassella Stella Retica" is a wine that combines power and finesse, with the hallmark freshness and complexity of Nebbiolo, making it a fine representation of this esteemed DOCG.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The grapes for the "Sassella Stella Retica" were hand-harvested from the high-altitude, terraced vineyards of Sassella. Fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for the gentle extraction of flavors from the skins while maintaining the purity of the Nebbiolo grape.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine was aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months, which added complexity and structure. The wine was then bottled and aged further in the cellar, ensuring that it was well-matured before release.
• Additional Details: As with all ARPEPE wines, the "Sassella Stella Retica" was neither fined nor filtered, ensuring that the wine remains as close as possible to its natural state.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine presents a deep garnet color with slight brick-red hues at the rim, indicating its age and maturation.
• Aroma: The nose is an aromatic tapestry of dried red fruits like cherries and raspberries, intertwined with notes of roses, violets, and subtle hints of leather and tobacco. There are also earthy nuances, with a touch of balsamic and truffle. The complexity increases with time, revealing forest floor and spice notes.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with fine tannins that are well-integrated, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. The fruit flavors are complemented by secondary notes of dried herbs, leather, and a touch of licorice. There is a notable mineral backbone that adds freshness, balancing the wine’s depth. The finish is long and persistent, with an elegant minerality and lingering red fruit flavors.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs well with a variety of rich and flavorful dishes. It complements roasted meats, such as beef or lamb, and works wonderfully with game dishes like venison or wild boar. It also pairs excellently with aged cheeses, such as Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano, and with pasta dishes featuring rich, meaty sauces.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to fully express its complexity and depth.
• Decanting: Decanting is recommended, especially for older bottles, to allow the wine to open up and reveal its intricate aromas and flavors.

Aging Potential

The ARPEPE "Sassella Stella Retica" Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015 has excellent aging potential. It is already showing beautifully, but it can continue to evolve in the bottle for the next 10–15 years, with its structure and complexity developing further over time.