Ar.Pe.Pe. Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca De Piro

In ancient times, due to its strategic position between Italy and Central Europe, the Valtellina area was home to a large number of castles and defensive fortresses. Many were destroyed; others have not stood the test of time. Fortunately, however, some are still standing, like Castel Grumello.

In northern Italy, among vineyards and on the rocky soils (translated into Italian as grumel) of Sondrio and Montagne, lies one of these buildings that belonged to the De Piro family, and was both a defensive structure and a home. This castle has two equal parts, which is why it is known as the twin castle, joined by a section of wall. The Pelizzatti family, the current owners of the Ar.Pe.Pe winery, pay homage to this monument with their red wine Ar.Pe.Pe. Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca De Piro.

Ar.Pe.Pe. Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca De Piro is a blend of grapes from the two vineyards that Ar. Pe. Pe owns in this sub-region of the D.O.C Valtellina Superiore. In this area they grow the Nebbiolo delle Alpi, a variation of the typical Italian red grape that takes on very specific characteristics here that differentiate it from the grapes cultivated in other areas. This is mainly due to the orientation of the vineyards, which face south (benefiting from many hours of sunshine), as well as the rocky soils, which are poor in matter, where the vine grows deep roots that seek the nutrients needed for growth. And then there is the altitude, between 300 and 500 metres above sea level, on the terraces that make up the area’s typical landscape. Thanks to all these factors, the Nebbiolo, which is usually a variety with a very thin skin, develops a thicker skin. However, this will not prevent Ar.Pe.Pe from carrying out the long macerations that are so characteristic of Valtellina winemaking. The Ar.Pe.Pe. Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca De Piro must spends 106 days in contact with the skins in wooden vats. This will be followed by alcoholic fermentation and aging for 15 months. This is the moment when Ar.Pe.Pe. Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca De Piro is put into different materials like wood, cement and bottle glass.

After being donated in 1990, the Castel Grumello was restored and opened to the public. Today you can enjoy this great historical legacy. This privilege also includes Ar.Pe.Pe. Valtellina Superiore Grumello Rocca De Piro: another great tribute that is worth trying.