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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Attention Nebbiolo fans – if you haven't yet discovered the captivating wines of Ar.Pe.Pe. from the tiny Valtellina region north of Piedmont, you're in for a real treat. Considered one of the most impressive producers in the region, Ar.Pe.Pe.'s highly rated Valtellinas offer fresh, racy fruit with bright acidity in richly complex red wines that Vinous critic Antonio Galloni declares "will leave lovers of translucent Nebbiolo weak at the knees."
More than a decade after the winery was sold off in a family dispute, fourth generation Arturo Pelizzatti Perego launched a new winery in 1984, buying back family vineyards and the original Pelizzatti family cellars and renaming it Ar.Pe.Pe. Now run by Arturo's three children, Ar.Pe.Pe. (pronounced "Arr-Pay-Pay") crafts its wines in the traditional method with the localized clone of Nebbiolo known as Chiavennasca, fermenting with native yeasts and extensively aging the wines in large chestnut and oak casks. Rising up south facing slopes at altitudes up to 2,500 feet above sea level, Ar.Pe.Pe.'s steep terraced vineyards are reminiscent of Germany's Mosel and Portugal's Douro, located in two distinct terroirs at higher elevations: Sassella, known for powerful wines of bold intensity and minerality, and Grumello, exhibiting fruit-driven elegance and finesse, all balanced with lively acidity.
Blended from these two terroirs, an exploration of Ar.Pe.Pe.'s wines begins with the lush 93pt 2016 Ar.Pe.Pe. Petrirossa boasting fresh, juicy fruit with bright acidity and earthy hints of Alpine herbs. Produced from their top vineyards, the ageworthy 2015 Ar.Pe.Pe. selections offer rich, palate-coating fruit and deeply layered nuances of violet and spice typical of Nebbiolo, while the lushly complex 95pt 2013 Riservas are single vineyard wines of exceptional longevity produced only in the best vintages, released an astounding eight years after harvest and expressive of each "cru."
Known for crafting the region's most highly acclaimed wines, critic and leading Italian expert Galloni declares "Ar.Pe.Pe. shows just how pedigreed the wines of Valtellina can be," earning their place among Italy's top Nebbiolos and delivering exceptional value. With the majority of Valtellina's wines historically consumed within 100 miles of the surrounding valley, Nebbiolo lovers already familiar with Ar.Pe.Pe. know to act fast – these hard-to-find, value priced gems will be gone in a flash. |
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One of two late-release wines from Ar. Pe. Pe., the 2013 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Buon Consiglio is a beautifully light and delicate expression of Nebbiolo with a lean, ruby-tinged appearance. The wine ages to silkiness and extreme suppleness, and I cannot help but notice the unique aromas of toasted hazelnut, mountain flower and balsam herb that rise so delicately from the bouquet. These results are exquisite and ultra delicate, giving the wine a lithe or ethereal personality. What a beauty. Only 6,000 bottles were released.
95+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Issue # 253 - Feb 2021)
A perfumed red, exuding aromas and flavors of crushed raspberry and pureed strawberry, exotic spice and graphite, dried marjoram and thyme. It's finely knit, with silky tannins and mouthwatering, citrus peel acidity. A graceful version with a lasting, mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.
94 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Oct 2021)
Camphor, wild rose and botanical herbs mingle with a whiff of wet granite. On the elegantly structured, still youthfully austere palate, tight, refined tannins lithely support sour cherry, orange zest and star anise. It's vibrant and balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2023–2033.
93 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2021)
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