Rosso di Valtellina DOC & Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Province of Lombardy / created as DOCs 1968, Superiore became DOCG 1998

Vineyard Area (2020):

Approx. 850 hectares between 200-650 metres above sea level

Grapes:

90% minimum Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) with other red grapes Pignolo, Rossola

Ageing & the Quality Pyramid: 

Rosso di Valtellina DOC - Minimum 6 months in wood

Valtellina Superiore DOCG - Minimum 24 months with 12 in wood

Valtellina Superiore Riserva DOCG - Minimum 36 months with 12 in wood

Dedicated almost solely to the production of Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo), this region is an east-west valley running along the river Adda, just below the Italian border with Switzerland. It is a patchwork of steep, terraced vineyards with differing degrees of southern exposure. This secluded corner of Italy is a little-known kingdom of Nebbiolo and split into 5 sub-regions; Maroggia (25ha), Sassella (114ha), Grumello (78ha), Inferno (55ha) and Valgella (137ha). The heart of the appellation centres on Sassella with Grumello and Inferno also held in high regard.

Valtellina’s vineyards lie between 200 and 600+ metres with a soil composition that is complex and ever-changing across the ancient terraces; a rocky mixture of sand, limestone and granite. In contrast to the wines of the Langhe, those of Valtellina show a gentler, fruitier face of Nebbiolo, sitting lighter on the palate with alpine herb detail. Limited production, the geographical situation of the region, and high local consumption has kept the word from getting out, but here we are, thirsting for Chiavennasca…oh, and it sparkles as well - ask the Rainoldi family who have produced traditional method sparkling Nebbiolo since the 1970s!

Boca DOC   Bramaterra DOC   Carema DOC  
Coste della Sesia & Colline Novaresi DOCs   Fara DOC   Gattinara DOCG  Ghemme DOCG   Lessona DOC   Sizzano DOC   Valli Ossolane DOC