Valtellina Sforzato 2009 Bettini

Rich, Deep, Aromatic, Full-Body Red

Grape: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca).
Region: Northern Italy> Lombardy> Valtellina.
Notes: Air-dried grapes (passito). Oak barrel aging. Sustainable

Driving north from the wealthy resort community of Lake Como into the mountains almost near the Swiss border, you will come to the deep valley of Valtellina. Nebbiolo grapes here are cultivated on the steep, stony slopes that no machines can work on. Sforzato is the result of making wine from grapes, which have been left to dry on mats until December-January so that the sugar content is concentrated and a deep, rich taste is developed. It is a full, smooth, alcoholic wine, with an intense, complex bouquet. It should be drunk with roast meat or, warmed in large glasses, sipped as an after-dinner wine. It is suitable for long ageing, and the bottles should be stored lying down in a cool place.