ARPEPE Grumello Riserva Sant’Antonio 2018

Ar.Pe.Pe. is a family winery in Valtellina, an alpine valley in Lombardy where Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca, is grown on steep south-facing terraces. Grumello Riserva Sant'Antonio comes from one of the named subzones of Valtellina Superiore. The terraced vineyards sit on free-draining sandy, acidic soils, and the valley's altitude and cool mountain air give a long, slow ripening season with a marked diurnal range. That preserves the bright acidity and delicate aromatics for which the area is known. Nebbiolo is naturally high in tannin and acid and light in colour, ageing towards savoury, tertiary character, and the Riserva category requires extended barrel and bottle ageing before release, here using large old casks that allow slow oxygen exchange without adding oak flavour. With seven years of age, this 2018 is showing developed complexity. The colour is a pale, garnet-tinged red. The nose shows red cherry, dried rose, tobacco and forest floor. The palate is fine and savoury, with bright acidity, a firm but elegant tannin and a long, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead. It pairs with braised beef, game and mushroom dishes.