Valtellina.it

Today as then, when going down the valley you must be struck by the extraordinary system of more than 2500 km of terracing, built along the contours with myriads of drystone walls that make vine cultivation possible in the best and sunniest areas of the Rhaetian Alps. A true treasure and the procedure has been started for inclusion in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The red wines made in this area are produced using Nebbiolo grapes; it is a fine late-maturing vine that, has created over the centuries a perfect harmony with the soil, leading to unique wines such as the Valtellina Sforzato or Sfursat, whose name comes from the traditional practice of drying the grapes, which has been done in the Valtellina since ancient
times.
The wine is obtained by hand selecting the best bunches of grapes and then leaving them to dry on wooden lattices placed inside a dry and well-aired room, the “Fruttaio”, for at least 110 days until the end of January.
During this winter period the climate of the Valtellina does the rest of the work and thus favours the drying and shrinking of the bunches of grapes. At the end of January the grape has lost about 40% of its weight, the fruit has dried and the concentrated juice has developed unusual and very dense aromatic properties. After pressing, a slow fermentation period
follows and at least 24 months ageing and refining, first in wood and then in bottles. Valtellina Sforzato is thus a unique expression of a vine, the Nebbiolo and the area of this fascinating Alpine valley. Valtellina Superiore is always made using Nebbiolo grapes and is divided into five sub-denominations: Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno and
Valgella that, like Sforzato, are proudly entitled to the DOCG.

Consorzio Tutela Vini di Valtellina
Via Piazzi, 23 - 23100 Sondrio
Tel. + 39 0342 200871 - Fax + 39 0342 358706 
info@consorziovinivaltellina.com

Information at:
Sondrio Tourist Office
Tel. +39 0342 215921 - info@valtellina.it