Sassella Ultimi Raggi

Vineyard and terroir

Ultimi Raggi comes from the upper limit of Sassella in the area called Ere, at 550–600 m. The grass-covered vineyard faces south-west; the 2018 technical sheet specifies an altitude of 600 m. The site requires several additional weeks for the bunches to attain suitable phenolic ripeness compared with lower vineyards. Wide day-to-night temperature changes during harvest strengthen the skins and concentrate the sugars. The 2018 yield was 30 hl/ha.

Grapes

100% Chiavennasca, the local name for Nebbiolo.

Vinification

Rather than drying the grapes in a fruit-drying room, Ultimi Raggi relies on slight over-ripening on the vine. The fruit slowly dehydrates in the wind while still attached to vines entering winter dormancy. It is picked just before the snow, generally from mid- to late November; the 2018 harvest took place on 14 November. The grapes are gently crushed and placed in the vat. At drawing off, the wine is fully dry and retains pronounced acidity. The 2018 underwent 114 days of maceration in 50 hl wooden vats.

Ageing

The 2018 matured for 42 months across 50 hl vats and large casks, cement and bottle. Large-cask maturation smooths the wine’s dense tannic weave.

Technical data

The 2018 has 14% alcohol by volume. Production comprised 6,106 bottles of 0.75 l, 200 magnums and 40 bottles of 3 l.

Tasting profile

Over-ripening tempers Sassella’s nervous tannin while preserving conspicuous acidity. The aroma carries the sweetness of ripe fruit, but the palate remains free of cloying softness. After bottle maturation, Ultimi Raggi becomes the most alcoholic wine in the range while maintaining the freshness and drinkability associated with Nebbiolo delle Alpi.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 15°C in a balloon-shaped glass.

Label / history

Ultimi Raggi was created in 1999 from an idea by Arturo. Its identity rests on extending ripening into the final weeks before winter rather than drying harvested fruit indoors.