Being a dedicated ‘Barolophile’, I have seen that demand and appreciation for Nebbiolo has skyrocketed the last ten years. As prices have risen for the best Barolos and Barbarescos (the most famous Nebbiolo wines) wine-lovers have looked out for alternatives, but Nebbiolo, unlike many other grapes, has never really prospered outside (northwestern) Italy. The Nebbiolo grape has long been associated with the Piedmont region, but alpine regions like Valtellina in Lombardy offer an interesting alternative. Valtellina Within the Valtellina zone, where Nebbiolo is known as ”Chiavennasca”, the wines are defined by two basic quality levels. The base is the Valtellina, which generally tends to be light-bodied and tannic. A distinct step up, with richer textures and more complex flavors, is the Valtellina Superiore. Valtellina also produces ”Sforzato”, a powerful Amarone-style wine made of 100% dried grapes for added body and concentration. Valtellina is also one of the most dramatic v...
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