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

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
Convento San Lorenzo – Vesper Rosso di Valtellina / Nebbiolo / 2021
Valtellina DOC – Lombardy, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A fresh and vibrant 100% Nebbiolo crafted from the sun-soaked terraced vineyards of Valtellina, one of Italy’s northernmost winegrowing regions. This alpine setting gives Nebbiolo a lighter, more graceful expression than its Piedmont cousins.
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red cherries, wild strawberries, and rose petals, lifted by subtle herbal and mineral notes.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied yet structured, with lively acidity and smooth, fine tannins that glide across the palate.
Food Pairings
Bresaola, smoked brisket sliders, or a rustic spread of charcuterie.
Verdict
Pop, pour, and enjoy, this is Nebbiolo at its most approachable and charming, with no need for cellaring.
Did You Know?
Valtellina is one of the few places outside Piedmont where Nebbiolo thrives, locally called Chiavennasca. Its terraced vineyards, carved into steep alpine slopes, are UNESCO-recognized for their cultural heritage.
— 3 months ago
Very good. Helen's. — 4 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
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
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 — a month ago