2013 Ar.Pe.Pe., Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardy

If you've never been to the Italian hills of Valtellina, allow us to take you there one glass at a time. There, just near the Swiss border, the Nebbiolo grape retains its classic structure and attains the finesse and precision of a red Burgundy like nowhere else on earth.
    “Around New York, no Italian-accented wine list can be considered in vogue these days without at least one of the excellent Valtellinas from Ar.Pe.Pe.” Eric Asimov, NY Times
    Along the foothills of the Alps, the expression of the Nebbiolo (the same grape of Barolo) is slightly higher-toned with notes of cherry and raspberry complemented by a touch of dusty earth and a hint of menthol and minerality. Ar.Pe.Pe.'s Rosso di Valtellina surprised us with its gentle floral notes and fresh, fruity and harmonious finish.
    Despite the elevation, the fruit matures beautifully; during the day, the sun bakes down on the southern facing steps ripening the fruit and heats the stones, which keep the soil warm long after the sun has disappeared.
    The steepness of the vineyards prevents mechanization of any kind – the vineyards are hand cultivated, hand harvested and traditionally produced.
    "Sweet dried cherries, mint, alpine herbs, flowers and cinnamon abound in a delicate, mid-weight wine that hits all the right notes...Readers who want to explore the wines of Valtellina without investing in some of the region's top wines should start here. The 2013 Rosso is absolutely delicious. It's as simple as that." Vinous