At a glance

Producer

Ar.Pe.Pe

Region

Sassella, Valtellina Superiore, Lombardy, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$75

Tasting profile

Fresh red fruit (cherry, raspberry), floral notes (rose petal), hints of earth, spices, and minerality, with firm tannins and vibrant acidity.

Evolution: With age, tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs, tobacco, and forest floor will develop while tannins become silky.

At peak: Complex, layered wine with elegant bouquet, balanced acidity, refined tannins, and persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, providing freshness and aging capability

Tannins

Medium to firm, well integrated

Alcohol

13.5% ABV

Aging potential

15-20+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2035

Optimal window

2022 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

The 2016 Sassella Stella Retica is showing developing complexity with tertiary notes beginning to emerge alongside fresh fruit and structured tannins.

The 2016 vintage in Valtellina was very good with ideal growing conditions, allowing Nebbiolo to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity. The wine's structure and acidity provide strong aging potential making mid-2020s through mid-2030s the ideal drinking window.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich dishes such as braised meats, game, porcini mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and polenta with wild mushrooms.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow the wine to open up, soften tannins, and reveal its complex aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focus on low-intervention winemaking, soil conservation, minimal chemical use, and careful canopy management. Use of natural yeasts and reduced sulfites.

Ar.Pe.Pe embraces environmentally conscious farming practices typical of small estate producers in Valtellina. While not certified organic or biodynamic, their limited use of chemicals and commitment to natural methods contributes positively. Regional production limits long-distance transport impact, though international shipping to global markets remains necessary.