As a family enterprize, Arpepe dates back to the 19th Century when it was established as Pelizzatti. Despite a solid reputation, rocky times in the 1970s saw the Pelizzatti family sell several vineyard plots and the original domaine name.
The winemaking enterprise was revived in the mid-1980s as Arpepe and, over the years, some of the vineyards sold in the 70's come back under the control of the estate.
The estate covers 13 hectares (32 acres) of vineyard, all in Valtellina. Winemaking is relatively traditional with a preference for steel and concrete tank fermentation and aging in oak vats and large-format oak barrels. These vineyards are some of the steepest in Northern Italy, from which all berries are hand-harvested by vineyard workers using climbing gear. This hazardous and rocky terrain forces the vines to dig deep for what little moisture they can scrounge from the soil, lending to a mineral driven and elegantly charming Nebbiolo.
Tasting Notes:
Pressed rose, wild berry, smoke and dried Alpine herb aromas emerge from the glass. The graceful palate offers red cherry, cranberry and star anise alongside a salty mineral note while deft tannins provide lithe support. A delicate and elegant accompanyment for any wine connoisseur's cellar.