I always appreciate the opportunity to learn; so I was delighted to gain further insights into Nebbiolo at #WMC22 when Consorzio Valtellina shared three Nebbiolo wines. Besides the Piedmont, Nebbiolo is grown in the Lombardy's Valtellina region where the wine is known as Chiavennasca. Valtellina's Nebbiolo is also used to make a deeply concentrated Amarone-type wine known as Sfursat. Even after reading up on the wines from this region there is nothing like tasting them in Italy. Welcome to Vini di Valtellina where Wine is Beauty.
Introduction to Valtellina Wines © Spaswinefood
Rosso di Valtellina wines are to be enjoyed young. It has the typical Nebbiolo profile, with a focus on liveliness and freshness. The aim is value with a greater spontaneity and simplicity. The wine is targeted for an audience looking for a simple but meaningful glass of wine.
Rosso di Valtellina production area does not have subzones but includes the whole wine-making area of Sondrio Province, from Ardenno to the outskirts of Tirano, also two areas to left of the Adda River.
Rosso di Valtellina D.O.C. Azienda Agricola Alberto Marsetti, Nebbiolo 2021
Azienda Agricola Alberto Marsetti, Nebbiolo 2021 © SpaswinefoodThe winery described this wine as:
-- wine made from Nebbiolo grapes (locally Chiavennasca) and a minimal percentage of grapes from three native Valtellina vines, namely: Pignola, Rossola and Brugnola.
1991 is the year of birth of this wine which is traditionally consumed "young" due to its characteristics of vinification and aging in steel which give the wine fresh and gentle notes of red fruits. Perfect to accompany the whole meal. (English translation)
Pairing Suggestions: snacks made with sausages and cheeses, and Valtellina dishes
2. Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G.
Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G. has five sub-zones: Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, and Valgella.
According to regulations the maximum production per hectare is 8 tons, with a minimum aging of 24 months, with at least 12 months of aging in wood. We tasted a Riserva version of Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G. (with or without sub-zone references) this classification needs a minimum of 36 months of aging.
Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G. Rainoldi Sassella Riserva Nebbiola (Chiavennasca) 2017
The third Nebbiola wine was a Sfursat.
3. Sfursat di Valtellina D.O.C.G.
Sforzato or Sfursat di Valtellina, is made by drying of carefully selected Nebbiolo grapes. When Nebbiolo is used to make a deeply concentrated Amarone-type wine known as Sfursat. The result is a native and a cultural wine, deeply rooted in the knowledge and technique of its producers.
Sfursat di Valtellina D.O.C.G. "Carlo Negri" 2019 - Nino Negri
Sfursat di Valtellina D.O.C.G. "Carlo Negri" 2019 © Spaswinefood
"Carlo Negri" Nino Negri 2019 © Spaswinefood
Edited winery notes on this wine follows:
Nino Negri winery only produces this wine in the best vintages, and in limited quantities from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Sfursat process means after harvest the grapes are left to dry naturally. They are then fermented in steel tanks at a controlled temperature, with maceration on the skins for 16 days. Later, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels for 24 months.
This intense garnet color wine on the nose has an ethereal and complex bouquet, with hints of cloves, cinnamon and pepper, with hints of plum jam. In the mouth it is dry, warm and austere, has a pleasant persistent taste with notes of toasted hazelnuts and licorice.
Pairing Suggestions: roast meats, game, and aged cheeses.
Nebbiolo Della Alpi in the Glass © Spaswinefood
Typically Nebbiolo delle Alpi wines are ruby red in color when young but change to garnet color upon aging. By exploring Nebbiolo from Valtellina's two DOCGs (Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G. and Sforzato di Valtellina D.O.C.G.) and one DOC (Rosso di Valtellina D.O.C.) I have gained further insights into Valtellina's Nebbiolo wines. In closing, I would like to note that Valtellina also includes one IGT (Alpi Retiche I.G.T.) which produces red, rosé, white, sweet, passito, late harvested wines, and sparkling wines produced from other grape varieties. Clearly Vini di Valtellina is where Wine is Beauty. I invite you to join me in our wine travels in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing our vine-filled explorations in Italy.
