📍 Valtellina

Valtellina is an Alpine valley of the Adda river in northern Italy, in Lombardy, near the Swiss border. Vines grow on south-facing slopes, on narrow stone terraces held up by dry-stone walls. The work has to be done by hand.

The main grape is the red Nebbiolo, called Chiavennasca here. It makes light, fine reds with bright acidity. The best are Valtellina Superiore (DOCG) with five sub-zones: Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno and Valgella. There are also the basic Rosso di Valtellina and Alpi Retiche, wines with local geographical protection.

The valley's special wine is Sforzato di Valtellina (Sfursat). The grapes are dried for several months and then fermented dry, giving a rich, strong red. Local varieties Brugnola and Pignola appear in small amounts.

Valtellina is part of Lombardy and the northernmost major Nebbiolo area in Italy. The delicate reds of the valley suit local dishes such as pizzoccheri, game and Bitto cheese. The name Valtellina on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.