The mountain region of Valtellina sits near the Swiss border and is one of the most picturesque of Italy. From steep, south-facing, and terraced mountain vineyards the Pelizzattis produce beautifully restrained styles of Nebbiolo, or Chivanesca as it is called in Valtellina. They choose to stay loyal to the region's traditions and avoid the trappings of modern winemaking technology, instead opting for long macerations and old large-format chestnut and oak barrels.

Winery: When the first Italian PopWine rankings were announced at Vinitaly 2014, the Rosso di Valtellina was the first to reach the top spot. La Gazzetta dello Sport talked of the rise of this tonic Nebbiolo from the Alps, describing its youthful impetuosity and modern expressive elegance. 

Ar. Pe. Pe. is one of the best traditional wineries from the mountain region of Valtellina near the Swiss border. Here, the Nebbiolo grape attains the finesse and precision of Pinot Noir. This scrumptious, Burgundy-style red is full of sweet red berries and a firm tannic grip on the end.

The Rosso di Valtellina DOC from ARPEPE first saw the light in 2003, after a sweltering summer that had put our vines and our winegrowers sorely to the test. It would not have been fair to demean all their hard work by selling off the grapes, which were unsuitable for making a vintage wine. The choice came naturally: what might have had little value in the distant future could be given great dignity when young. The Rosso di Valtellina thus acquired a free and light-hearted personality, even though its elder siblings, more serious and refined, feared it might not last for years.