ARPEPE
Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella 'Ultimi Raggi'
Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella 'Ultimi Raggi'
- 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) sourced from the highest point in the Sassella subplot
- 600 meters elevation
- South/southwestern exposure
- The grapes were harvested November 13
- Maceration for 58 days in 50-hectoliter wooden vats
- Aged 39 months in cask
- Refined three years in bottle
- Alcohol 13.5%
- 500 cases produced
- First Vintage 1988
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2018
Country:
Italy
Region:
Lombardia
Appellation:
Valtellina
Variety:
Nebbiolo
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | IT-ARP-25-18 | 6/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
95
Date
2026-05-12
"A subtle and restrained wine with aromas of crushed stones, red fruit, pepper and elegant flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with graceful tannins, crisp acidity and a tense, polished finish of cherry pits."
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2026-09-09
"Round and creamy, this finely meshed red offers an alluring mix of wild strawberry, blood orange, stone, candied violet and black tea elements. A delicate thread of ground anise, saffron and pink peppercorn brings a zesty, fragrant edge to the juicy fruit flavors, and the satin-edged tannins are elegant but structured on the finish."
Kerin O'Keefe
Score
93
Date
2025-01-01
"This late-harvested Nebbiolo undergoes a light drying of the grapes while still attached to the vines. It's the most full-bodied and structured offering in the winery's line-up, delivering flavors of fleshy Morello cherry, prune and licorice accompanied by firm, close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Born in vineyards 600m above sea level in the highest reaches of Sassella, I'd be extremely curious to try a wine from this vineyard area that is harvested before the grapes begin to wither on the vines."
Vinous
Score
90
Date
2026-02-17
"The 2018 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Ultimi Raggi is powerful and intense in its fruit expression, but also mature. Candied fruit, spice, tobacco, leather and dried herbs waft from the glass. Overall the 2018 comes across as a bit advanced, with precarious balance that suggests it is best enjoyed over the next few years."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2016
James Suckling
Score
95
Date
2024-07-04
"Aromas of graphite, game, earth, red cherries and dark berries. Dense palate with dusty yet ripe tannins, refreshing acidity and a medium to full body. A lot of good substance that still needs time to integrate and gain complexity. Drinkable now, but best from 2026."
2016
Wine Spectator
Score
92
Date
2024-03-31
"A lively, graceful red, well-spiced and aromatic, with a skein of incense and potpourri notes winding through cherry and berry fruit flavors. Reveals a savory push of loamy earth, mineral and brambly herbs on the plush finish."
2006
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2016-04-01
Vinous
Score
95
Date
Wine Enthusiast
Score
95
Date
Decanter
Score
95
Date
2020-11-01
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2016-04-01
Wine Advocate
Score
93
Date
Vinous
Score
93+
Date
2022-03-31
Wine Spectator
Score
92
Date
Vinous
Score
91
Date
Wine Enthusiast
Score
90
Date