The production of wine in Valtellina is regulated by two DOCGs and one DOC whose aim is the enhancement of Nebbiolo grape (minimum 90%) and its various variations on the territory. The production regulation defines the production areas and establishes the yields per hectare and the minimum aging period.
The frame of Valtellina denominations also includes an IGT which welcomes red, rosé, white, sweet, passito, late harvested wines along with sparkling wines obtained from other grape varieties.
Rosso di Valtellina is the youngest wine which balances the typical personality of Nebbiolo with particular notes of liveliness and freshness. It can be defined as the landmark of the territory aimed at a greater spontaneity and simplicity but keeping its value.
The production area doesn't refer to subzones and includes the whole wine-making area of the Province of Sondrio, from Ardenno to the outskirts of Tirano, also including the two areas to the left of the river Adda. Rosso di Valtellina is, in fact, both a typology produced as a fallout within the DOCG areas and a wine realized with grapes located in the outskirts often not included among the main denominations (for instance over 650 metres of elevation or on some alluvial fans).
The maximum production per hectare is 10 tons, with a minimum refinement period of 6 months and with effect from the 1st December following the harvest.
Rosso di Valtellina it’s a wine of great pleasantness that can tell us about an open-minded Valtellina and that can reach an audience looking for a simple but meaningful glass.
Read more about the production regulation of Rosso di Valtellina DOC
It’s the wine produced by the best exposed vineyards between Buglio in Monte and Tirano, according to the detailed rules of production indicated within the production regulation. The wines are the result of the selection of particular terraced areas and meet the austerity and the elegance required for the production of Nebbiolo delle Alpi.
Valtellina Superiore DOCG, can make use of the denomination of one of the five subzones - Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, Valgella - in order to strengthen up the special bond with the vine-growing areas of the Rhaetian mountainside.
The maximum production per hectare is 8 tons, the minimum aging is 24 months of which at least one year of aging in wood. It also exists the Riserva version, assigned to Valtellina Superiore DOCG with or without subzone references, that needs a minimum of 36 months of aging.
Valtellina Superiore DOCG is the best expression of the different wine terroirs of the area, a deep wine, with austere and tannic traces along with the typical finesse and nuance. A rich but wise wine, complex but never complicated. A wine that reflects the soul of the producers, representative of style and nuances of interpretation which exalt its personality.
Read more about the regulation of Rosso di Valtellina DOC production
A wine that meets the creativity, the curiosity and the need for diversification of both the producers and the territory. This denomination welcomes (in a minimum quantity compared to classical Valtellina wines) white, red, rosè, passito and late-growing wines, obtained from other vineyards and different production processes.
The selection includes, for instance, expressions of Nebbiolo vinification “in white”, rosè or classical method, but also some original pure exaltations of historical grapes such as Pignola. We can also find labels obtained by international grapes such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Traminer, Riesling as well as some experiments with strong grapes.
Read more about the regulation of Alpi Retiche I.G.T. production
Maroggia, Sassella, Inferno, Grumello and Valgella are five subzones that enhance Vatellinian wines with nuances and variety.
Sforzato, wine of territory and knowledge
2000 years of history and identity of Valtellina wine
