The wines of Valtellina originate in the inaccessible mountain areas of the alpine district in the province of Sondrio. They are mainly mountain red wines produced from Nebbiolo grapes, known locally as Chiavennasca, and are the result of a heroic viticulture that has required hard work and effort for centuries. In fact, the vines climb up steep and difficult terrains up to 700 metres above sea level and are organised in terraces, which do not permit mechanisation. This history has ancient origins, as evidenced by the numerous historical and archaeological sites in the valley, and for centuries the cultivation of vines has been one of the most important resources of the area. Today, in this historic, unspoilt environment that has been carefully protected by man, the Sforzato and Valtellina Superiore DOCGs, together with the Rosso di Valtellina DOC, represent the best expressions of regional wine production.
The wines of Valtellina originate in the inaccessible mountain areas of the alpine district in the province of Sondrio. They are mainly mountain red wines produced from Nebbiolo grapes, known locally as Chiavennasca, and are the result of a heroic viticulture that has required hard work and effort for centuries. In fact, the vines climb up steep and difficult terrains up to 700 metres above sea level and are organised in terraces, which do not permit mechanisation. This history has ancient origins, as evidenced by the numerous historical and archaeological sites in the valley, and for centuries the cultivation of vines has been one of the most important resources of the area. Today, in this historic, unspoilt environment that has been carefully protected by man, the Sforzato and Valtellina Superiore DOCGs, together with the Rosso di Valtellina DOC, represent the best expressions of regional wine production.
This territory is located in the northernmost part of the Lombardy region and includes a long and wide alpine valley stretching over more than 2500 kilometres. It borders Switzerland to the north, the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia to the south, the Lecco area to the west and Trentino South Tyrol to the east. The River Adda, which flows through it from top to bottom before emptying into Lake Como, has shaped the valley for centuries. Surrounded by imposing peaks and Alpine ranges, it is a lush land rich in biodiversity, and is marked, particularly on the Rhaetian side, by hundreds of hectares of terraced vineyards on steep, sunny slopes, which in 2018 were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since ancient times, man has made the most of these territorial and morphological characteristics, obtaining unique products that are still today points of reference on the international market.
Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca, is the most widely cultivated red wine grape in the Valtellina area, and is used to produce the area's most important IGT, DOC and DOCG wines. The first historical evidence of vine cultivation dates back to the Carolingian era. Documents mention the work of the Benedictine monks in the valley, who wanted to increase the area under vine by carving out patches of land from the mountains.
In addition to Valtellina wines, the valley also offers other important local quality products, such as different types of apples, tasty cheeses (such as bitto), local cured meats (slinzega, bresaola, speck), pizzoccheri, sciatt, polenta taragna and much more.
And that's not all, as this land attracts tourists from all over the world for the various activities it offers, including winter sports, excursions, wellness centres and so much more.
Valtellina wine is produced in the small area in the far north of Lombardy, in a mountainous land surrounded by hills and valleys. In these places, which are almost completely inhospitable to vine-growing, man has carved out small strips of arable land, terracing them and marking them off with dry stone walls. This is referred to as heroic viticulture, as the land is rough and steep, and does not allow mechanisation, requiring hard work and effort. As a result, the work is exclusively manual, as is the harvest, where for centuries panniers have been used to carry the grapes up and down hills and along small paths.
The Nebbiolo variety is therefore the main grape of the most important regional denominations:
The Rosso di Valtellina DOC represents the freshest and youngest aspect of the area. It is normally vinified and aged only in steel tanks to preserve all the fruity freshness of the grape. Flowing, pleasantly tannic and elegant, with notes of small red fruits, it is a perfect choice for the everyday table. It can be paired with dishes that are not too intense and full-bodied, such as local cured meats, first courses with mushrooms or meat, or light main courses of red meat.
The Valtellina Superiore DOCG is another red wine from the area that is aged for a good period in wooden barrels. It is an intense, elegant and full-bodied expression that can be produced in 5 different sub-zones: Inferno, Maroggia, Valgella, Sassella and Grumello. Since they are all different areas in terms of exposure and terrain, the wine produced will have diverse and typical profiles.
The Sforzato DOCG, or Sfursat, is the most important red wine of the province of Sondrio and is produced with a very special process, called "forzatura". This involves drying the Chiavennasca grapes for a few weeks in racks or fruit lofts, so that they can concentrate the sugars to the maximum. It is a true and proper dry passito wine, with a robust, warm and austere character, which goes well with the tasty and intense dishes of the local tradition. Among the largest producers are the Nino Negri winery, Rainoldi, Dirupi and Ar.Pe.Pe.
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