Lombardy

Lombardy is the most populous, richest and most productive region in the country. 16% of the national population (10 million people) live there and create 21% of the total GDP.
The region is an important producer of wines but not really well recognized except Franciacorta, the Italy’s most prestigious sparkling wines or Valtellina, an Alpine valley perfect for Nebbiolo grape.
If Italy is known for its spaghettis, Rice is very popular in the region, often found in soups as well as risotti, such as “risotto alla milanese”, with saffron. Butter is used, no olive oil!
The region is famous for its historical figures such as Virgil, Pliny the Elder, Caravaggio, Claudio Monteverdi, Antonio Stradivari, Alessandro Volta and popes John XXIII and Paul VI.

Arpepe

The “Pelizzatti” winery was born in 1860 but in 1973, after many trials and tribulations, both the trademark and the actual business were sold. But this was no more than a setback, because already in 1984, Arturo Pelizzatti Perego, decided to make a comeback, using his own acronym – ArPePe – and making it his declared aim to bring out the full potential of Nebbiolo from the Alps in the unique terroir of the Valtellina.

Now, the family owns 13 hectares of vineyard all standing in grass, in the heart of the Valtellina Superiore DOCG area, dotted around Sassella, Grumello and Inferno.

Among the many accolades bestowed on this family’s wines, one is a particular point of pride: In 2018, Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia awarded the honor of Best Italian Red Wine of the Year to ARPEPE’s Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse 2007.