ARPEPE Inferno Riserva Sesto Canto 2018

Ar.Pe.Pe. is one of the reference estates of Valtellina, a steep Alpine valley in Lombardy where Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca, is grown on terraced slopes. The Inferno subzone is one of the warmest and steepest sites, its name drawn from the heat that builds on the south-facing terraces. The soils are poor, sandy and granitic, which drains hard and gives a lighter, more perfumed style of Nebbiolo than Piedmont, though no less structured. The estate farms with respect for the land and ages its Riserva wines slowly. This Sesto Canto spends thirty-four months in large old casks and jars, where extended oxidative ageing softens Nebbiolo's firm tannins, deepens the colour towards brick and develops savoury, tertiary aromas. The colour is pale garnet. The nose shows red cherry and red berries with rose, dried herbs, tobacco and leather. The palate is fine and savoury, with high acidity, firm but polished tannins and a long, earthy finish. Serve at seventeen to eighteen degrees, decanted, in a Burgundy glass. It suits braised meat, game and hard mountain cheese.