• Antonello Biancalana, DiWineTaste Wine Culture and Information, Issue 44 september 2006
  
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Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Stella Retica 1998
AR.PE.PE. (Lombardy, Italy)
Grapes: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)

The wine shows a brilliant brick red color and nuances of brick red, transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of cherry, strawberry and raspberry followed by aromas of plum, dried violet, dried rose, vanilla, tobacco, licorice, leather, cocoa, truffle and mace.

The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and pleasing crispness, however balanced
by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, pleasing roundness. The finish is persistent with flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. A well made wine. This Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva ages for at least 2 years in cask followed by at least 6 months of aging in bottle.

Food match: Roasted meat, Stewed and braised meat, Hard cheese.

Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse 1996
AR.PE.PE. (Lombardy, Italy)
Grapes: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) (95%), Brugnola, Pinot Noir (5%)

This wine shows a brilliant brick red color and nuances of brick red, transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas that start with hints of strawberry, cherry and raspberry followed by aromas of plum, dried violet, dried rose, cyclamen, vanilla, tobacco, leather, licorice, cocoa, mace and menthol.

The mouth has excellent correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and pleasing crispness, however
balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, pleasing roundness. The finish is very persistent with long flavors of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. A well made wine. Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Rocce Rosse ages for more than 4 years in cask.

Food match: Game, Roasted meat, Braised and stewed meat, Hard cheese