Im biased towards Italian mountain reds, so not surprised that I have a crush on this qpr from Lombardy. For about 16$ you get a lithe,medium bodied 90% Chiavennasca (local version of Nebbiolo), 10% merlot with an ease on the palate- ‘suppose that’s the influence of the Merlot. Builds in power & depth with air. Sweet rose hips, wild berries, underbrush. Nice back end length though the sweetness not my thing. For Nebbiolo fiends, a real find. Only about 1800 bottles imported, according to its importer, Wildman. — 4 years ago
This is the 2013 Ar.Pe.Pe Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva ‘Nuova Regina’. It’s 100% Chiavennasca and aged 39 months in cask.
It is PALE ruby in color with pronounced aromas and flavors of red and black cherry, bright raspberry, mulberry, pomegranate, purple fig, stewed strawberry rhubarb, rose, potpourri, black licorice, black tea, anise seed, fennel, tri-colored peppercorns, peat, vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg, forest floor, and mushroom.
On the palate, this wine is dry, w/ medium (+) acidity, a medium body, medium alcohol (13% ABV), & medium (+) tannins that are smooth and velveteen; it has a lingering finish.
It’s an outstanding wine, incredibly fresh now with runway to age & gain complexity in the bottle. — 8 months ago
Lovely alpine Nebbiolo from a terrific producer. This is a different animal than your Langhe Nebbiolo... there’s some additional ripeness, minerality, and rusticity, an expression of place and perhaps this local derivative of Nebbiolo: Chiavennasca — 5 years ago
Made from 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) sourced from the Sassella sub-zone, this wine is far from light despite its light color. It’s beautifully elegant, with incredible acidity designed for aging. We enjoyed a 2016 that was singing after a short decant. Really loved this one.
— 7 months ago
Light but has depth and persistence — 4 years ago
Very good. Helen's. — 4 years ago
Kland Aida
Another Valtellinese but a white blend. It even has a bit of Chiavennasca in it.
Light peach and melon but also a bit of oak. Dry and clean finish. July 2025 — 15 days ago