Top 6 Valtellina Wines Selected by Gambero Rosso

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Discover Valtellina, Italy's hidden gem for Nebbiolo wines. From terraced vineyards to exquisite Sforzato and Superiore DOCG, explore its rich winemaking heritage!

Valtellina: The Hidden Gem of Italian Viticulture

Nestled in the heart of Lombardy, the Valtellina region stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between man and nature. This alpine valley, shared with its sister Valchiavenna, has cultivated a reputation for producing some of Italy’s most exquisite red wines. Rooted in centuries-old traditions and bolstered by the unique terroir of steep terraces and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, Valtellina is a paradise for Nebbiolo lovers seeking elegance and depth.

The Soul of Valtellina: Chiavennasca and Its Unique Terroir

At the heart of Valtellina’s winemaking is the Chiavennasca, a local biotype of Nebbiolo. Unlike its Piedmontese counterpart, Chiavennasca thrives in this cooler alpine climate with minimal rainfall. Its thicker skins and larger berries produce wines with higher acidity and more delicate aromas—traits that mirror the rugged yet refined spirit of the valley.

The defining feature of Valtellina’s vineyards is its ancient terraced system, spanning an astounding 2,500 kilometers. These terraces, supported by dry-stone walls, are perched on sunlit slopes where heat-retaining rocks create a natural microclimate. During the day, these stones absorb sunlight, radiating warmth back to the vines at night. This phenomenon fosters a significant diurnal temperature variation—up to 20 degrees Celsius in September—enhancing aromatic complexity and structure in the grapes.

Unveiling Valtellina’s Prestigious Denominations

Valtellina boasts an impressive array of appellations that showcase its winemaking prowess:

Sforzato di Valtellina (DOCG)

Known locally as “Sfursat,” this wine epitomizes richness and intensity. Made from 100% dried Chiavennasca grapes, it undergoes appassimento for at least one month before aging for 20 months (12 in wood). With notes of ripe fruit and remarkable softness on the palate, Sforzato is a structured wine designed for contemplation.

Valtellina Superiore (DOCG)

This classic expression requires at least 90% Nebbiolo grapes from five subzones: Grumello, Inferno, Sassella, Maroggia, and Valgella. Aged for 24 months (12 in wood), or 36 months for Riserva versions, these wines exhibit firm tannins alongside their vibrant acidity—a true reflection of their mountainous origins.

Valtellina Rosso (DOC)

As an approachable entry point into the region’s offerings, this youthful wine matures for just six months but retains Nebbiolo’s hallmark elegance. Its lighter structure makes it ideal for casual enjoyment.

Alpi Retiche IGT

Introduced in 2020 to replace Terrazze Retiche di Sondrio IGT, this designation encompasses experimental styles that push boundaries while honoring tradition.

Modern Icons: The Producers Elevating Valtellina

Behind every great wine lies a visionary producer dedicated to their craft. Valtellina’s wineries are no exception.

Mamete Prevostini

With roots dating back to the early 1900s as an agriturismo, Mamete Prevostini has grown into one of Valtellina’s benchmarks. Their Sforzato Corte di Cama ’21 dazzles with dark spice aromas and a long-lasting finish—a tribute to sustainable practices and terroir-driven winemaking.

Nino Negri

A pioneer since Carluccio Negri introduced Sfursat in 1956, this estate remains synonymous with innovation. Their iconic Sfursat 5 Stelle ’21 combines tobacco notes with vivid red fruit flavors in a powerful yet poised expression.

I Vitari

A boutique winery founded by Davide Bettini in 2013, I Vitari crafts wines on just two-and-a-half hectares using integrated farming methods. Their award-winning Valtellina Superiore Grumello SO ’21 offers a layered bouquet of licorice and raspberry backed by polished tannins.

Tenuta Scerscé

Founded by Cristina Scarpellini after leaving her legal career behind, Tenuta Scerscé exemplifies meticulous terroir study paired with sustainable viticulture. The Valtellina Superiore Inferno Flammante ’21 enchants with herbal undertones balanced by harmonious structure.

AR.PE.PE

Arturo Pelizzati Perego draws upon over a century of family tradition to craft age-worthy masterpieces like the Valtellina Superiore Sassella Nuova Regina Riserva ’18, renowned for its finesse and complex drinkability.

Pairing Perfection: Culinary Matches for Every Sip

No journey through Valtellina would be complete without exploring its culinary heritage. These dishes offer perfect pairings to enhance your tasting experience:

• Pizzoccheri della Valtellina: A hearty buckwheat pasta tossed with potatoes, cabbage, butter, garlic, and cheese—a classic companion to any Nebbiolo-based wine.
• Polenta Taragna: Creamy polenta enriched with local cheeses complements the structured tannins found in aged wines like Valtellina Superiore Riserva.
• Braised Pork Belly with Cauliflower: For modern palates seeking bold flavors, this dish pairs beautifully with robust Sforzato wines.

Preserving Tradition While Embracing Innovation

The future of Valtellina rests on its ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking approaches. As producers continue refining their techniques—whether through organic farming or exploring new expressions under IGT regulations—the region remains steadfastly committed to preserving its legacy while captivating new audiences worldwide.

As sommelier Giuseppe Gorelli aptly states: “In every glass of Chiavennasca lies not just wine but centuries of passion etched into our terraces.” Indeed, whether you’re savoring an elegant Grumello or delving into the intensity of Sfursat 5 Stelle ’21, each sip transports you directly into this breathtaking alpine landscape—a place where time slows down but excellence endures.

Photo by Chris Linnett on Unsplash