ARPEPE, short for Ar. Pe. Pe. (Arturo Pelizzatti Perego), is the definitive producer of Valtellina Superiore and one of Italy’s most uncompromising traditional estates. Located in the dramatic alpine valley of Valtellina in northern Lombardy, the winery farms some of the steepest vineyards in Europe, where Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca, reaches a uniquely graceful expression.
Founded in 1984 but rooted in generations of family farming, ARPEPE is defined by patience, restraint, and deep respect for the mountain landscape. These wines are not rushed, manipulated, or polished. They are allowed to evolve slowly, reflecting both vineyard and time.
Valtellina Terroir and Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo)
Valtellina stretches along the north-facing slopes of the Alps, near the Swiss border, with vineyards planted on hand-built stone terraces at high elevation. The soils are primarily decomposed granite and sandy rock, contributing intense minerality and freshness. Cooler alpine conditions and wide diurnal shifts preserve acidity and aromatic clarity, giving Chiavennasca a lighter color, finer tannins, and lifted perfume compared to Nebbiolo from Barolo or Barbaresco.
ARPEPE farms historic crus such as Grumello, Sassella, and Inferno, each offering its own nuance, but all sharing a common thread of precision, tension, and longevity.
Heroic Viticulture and Traditional Winemaking
Viticulture at ARPEPE is truly heroic. Steep slopes prevent mechanization, requiring all vineyard work to be done by hand. The estate maintains ancient stone terraces that define the landscape and preserve the region’s viticultural heritage.
In the cellar, ARPEPE follows a rigorously traditional approach. Fermentations are long and gentle, and aging takes place over many years in large, neutral oak casks followed by extended bottle aging. Wines are released only when the family believes they are ready to drink, often after a decade or more of total aging.
Style and Why These Wines Matter
ARPEPE wines are among Italy’s most transparent and long-lived expressions of Nebbiolo. They emphasize aromatics, minerality, and structure rather than extraction or power. Notes of dried rose, sour cherry, alpine herbs, and iron-tinged earth unfold slowly over time, rewarding patience and thoughtful pairing.
In a wine world increasingly driven by immediacy, ARPEPE stands apart by proving that time remains one of the most important ingredients in great wine.
Why We Carry ARPEPE
We carry ARPEPE because these wines represent dedication at the highest level. They tell a story of place, labor, and restraint that few producers can match. For customers seeking authentic Italian wine with depth, history, and real aging potential, ARPEPE offers an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions About ARPEPE
1. What does ARPEPE stand for?
ARPEPE stands for Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, the family name behind the estate.
2. Where is ARPEPE located?
ARPEPE is located in Valtellina, Lombardy, northern Italy, near the Swiss border.
3. What grape does ARPEPE use?
ARPEPE’s red wines are made from Nebbiolo, locally known as Chiavennasca.
4. What is Valtellina known for?
Valtellina is known for alpine Nebbiolo with high acidity, fine tannins, and mineral-driven elegance.
5. How is ARPEPE different from Barolo or Barbaresco producers?
ARPEPE produces a lighter, more aromatic, and more mineral-focused style of Nebbiolo due to alpine climate and granite soils.
6. Are ARPEPE wines good for aging?
Yes. Many ARPEPE wines are designed to age for decades and are released only after extended maturation.
7. What does “heroic viticulture” mean?
It refers to vineyard farming on steep slopes where mechanization is impossible and all work is done by hand.
8. What foods pair well with ARPEPE wines?
Braised meats, game, aged cheeses, mushrooms, risotto, and alpine cuisine.
9. Is ARPEPE family-owned?
Yes. ARPEPE is a multi-generation, family-run estate.
10. Where can I buy ARPEPE wines online?
You can buy ARPEPE wines online at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in artisanal Italian and alpine wines.
