Wine Denomination from Lombardy
Valtellina Superiore DOCG was elevated from DOC to DOCG status in 1998, recognizing the exceptional quality of Nebbiolo wines (locally called Chiavennasca) produced in the steep Alpine terraces of the Valtellina valley in northern Lombardy. This is one of Europe's most extreme viticultural areas, with vineyards carved into impossibly steep mountainsides where viticulture requires heroic effort. Valtellina Superiore represents a unique expression of Nebbiolo, distinct from Piedmont's Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG, reflecting Alpine terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions.
The Valtellina Superiore DOCG covers approximately 750 hectares along the north-facing slopes of the Adda River valley in the province of Sondrio in northern Lombardy. The production zone extends for about 35 kilometers from Ardenno in the west to Tirano in the east, with vineyards planted on vertiginous terraces at elevations from 300 to 700 meters. The denomination recognizes five historic subzones: Valgella (gentle, elegant wines), Inferno (powerful, concentrated wines from the hottest sites), Grumello (structured, complex wines), Sassella (refined, long-lived wines), and Maroggia (recently added). These subzones reflect distinct terroir characteristics within the valley.
Valtellina Superiore DOCG requires 90% Nebbiolo, locally known as Chiavennasca, with up to 10% of other authorized red varieties such as Rossola, Pignola, or Brugnola permitted. Most producers use close to 100% Chiavennasca to showcase the variety's distinctive Alpine character. The Chiavennasca clone of Nebbiolo has adapted over centuries to Valtellina's unique conditions, developing characteristics distinct from Piedmont Nebbiolo. The extreme growing conditions and granite soils create wines with signature elegance, pronounced minerality, and Alpine freshness.
Maximum yields are set at 8,000 kg per hectare, producing no more than 56 hectoliters per hectare of wine. Minimum alcohol content is 12% with total potential alcohol of at least 11%. Valtellina Superiore requires minimum 24 months aging from November 1 of the harvest year, including at least 12 months in wood. Riserva requires 36 months total aging. Traditional winemaking employed extended maceration and aging in large Slavonian oak casks, though modern producers increasingly use French barriques. The extreme vineyard slopes require hand-harvesting and terraced viticulture maintained through arduous manual labor, making Valtellina one of Italy's most labor-intensive wine productions.
Valtellina Superiore displays garnet red color with orange highlights, lighter than Piedmont Nebbiolo wines. The aroma is elegant and complex, featuring red berries (raspberry, cranberry), dried roses, violets, Alpine herbs, mountain stones, and subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with refined tannins, bright acidity, and distinctive mineral character reflecting the granite soils. The characteristic elegance and freshness distinguish Valtellina Superiore from the power of Barolo DOCG, with a more ethereal, delicate profile. Riserva wines develop complexity with aging, showing leather, tobacco, and earthy notes while maintaining signature freshness and minerality.
The Valtellina valley features unique terroir created by its Alpine location near the Swiss border. The steep north-facing slopes receive intense sun exposure due to their angle and southern orientation across the valley. The granite-based soils with schist and sand provide excellent drainage and impart pronounced mineral character to wines. The Alpine climate with cold winters and warm but not hot summers creates extreme diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and aromatic intensity. The föhn wind, a warm, dry Alpine wind, provides crucial ripening assistance in autumn. The valley's position creates a mesoclimate warmer than the surrounding mountains, making viticulture possible in this extreme northern location.
Valtellina Superiore DOCG regulations establish strict quality standards including vineyard registration, yield restrictions, and aging requirements. All wines must undergo chemical analysis and sensory evaluation before receiving DOCG certification. The denomination permits indication of the five historic subzones (Valgella, Inferno, Grumello, Sassella, Maroggia) on labels when wines are produced entirely from grapes grown in these areas. Riserva designation requires extended aging. The regulations recognize the heroic viticulture required in Valtellina, with the steep terraces maintained through centuries of tradition. Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, a separate DOCG for dried-grape wines, shares the same production area but has distinct regulations reflecting its unique production method.