Established in 1897, the house of Nino Negri has become a recognized leader and a strong reason why Valtellina is currently a rapidly emerging wine region. The 2004 Nino Negri Sfursat or Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG is simply an incredible wine. Most people are not familiar with this style of wine. Sfursat is made with dried Nebbiolo grapes locally called Chiavennasca. Grapes are picked in late September and left to partially dry naturally in crates, losing 30-35% of its weight in moisture. In mid-December, the fruit is put through a traditional red wine vinification with a fourteen-day extended maceration, to obtain more subtle aromas, softer textures and greater complexity on the palate, and ripe tannins. After aging in stainless steel tank, part of the wine matures for 16 months in small 255-litre casks and the rest  for 20 months in large, 20- and 50-hectolitre barrels of French oak. This wine has great intensity and persistence. On the nose and the palate shows incredible complexity and elegance. This Sforzato has a clear garnet color, it is completely dry and very austere. The intesity of its flavours and the high acidity create a perfect balance. On the palate this wine shows notes of plums, red fruit jam, aromatic herbs , licorice, tar and spices such as pepper and clove. The finish is extremely long and the overall quality is absolutely excellent. This 2004 vintage is a Tre Bicchieri Winner from GAMBERO ROSSO. Retail price is very low considered the value of this wine: $50.

Production Area: Valtellina, Lombardy, ITALY

Evolution: Ready