The Valtellina is one of the most spectacular and distinctive wine districts in Italy, located in Lombardy, along the course of the river Adda, on the border with Switzerland.

The area

It is an area of heroic viticulture, where the vineyards climb up terraces supported by dry-stone walls along extremely steep slopes, between 300 and 800 metres above sea level.

The mainly southerly aspect, excellent sunshine and wide temperature swings allow the growing of Nebbiolo, known here locally as Chiavennasca, which in Valtellina expresses a unique character: finesse, elegance and verticality, rather than power.

The soils are sandy-granitic, poor and free-draining, ideal for long-lived, mineral wines of great aromatic precision. Valtellina is one of the finest Alpine expressions of Nebbiolo.

What is the Valtellina wine district?

Valtellina is protected by two main appellations:

Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Divided into 5 historic sub-zones, from west to east:

• Maroggia

• Sassella

• Grumello

• Inferno

• Valgella

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG

• A dry wine from dried of Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)

• Powerful, complex and long-lived

It is also present:

• Valtellina Rosso DOC (a more immediate style)

Characteristics of Valtellina Wines

Reds (Nebbiolo / Chiavennasca)

Colour

• Light, luminous ruby, evolving towards garnet

Aromas

• Dried rose, violet

• Cherry, wild strawberry

• Alpine herbs, fine spices

• Mineral and ferrous notes

Palate

• Elegant, taut, vertical

• Fine, well-integrated tannins

• Lively acidity

• A great ability to age

Sforzato

• More concentrated, structured and higher in alcohol

• Notes of dried fruit and nuts, sweet spices, cocoa

• Powerful but always elegant

Typical Grape Varieties of the Valtellina

• Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) → the defining, signature grape variety

• Small historic percentages of minor local grape varieties (now marginal)

Why choose a wine from the Valtellina?

• To discover a an Alpine interpretation of Nebbiolo

• For wines of great elegance and longevity, more subtle than powerful

• For a unique heroic-viticulture terroir

• Perfect with mountain cooking, red meat, game, aged cheeses