ARPEPE Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse 2018

ARPEPE Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse is a mountain Nebbiolo from Ar.Pe.Pe., a Valtellina estate founded in 1984 and now run by the Pellizzatti Perego family, who work in a traditional, patient style. The grapes come from steep, terraced vineyards on south-facing Alpine slopes in Lombardy, where the soils are poor and stony and the altitude gives cool nights and a long growing season. This slow ripening lets Nebbiolo keep its high acidity and fine aromatics while developing gentle tannins, giving a paler, more delicate expression than the fuller versions of the Langhe. As a Riserva, the wine is aged for an extended period in large old wood, which resolves the tannins and builds savoury, tertiary complexity without adding oak flavour. Expect a pale garnet colour, a nose of red cherry, dried rose and herbs with a stony edge, and a fine, elegant palate with bright acidity, silky tannins and a long, savoury finish of leather and liquorice. Serve at 17 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast beef, game and mushroom dishes.