Nino Negri winery: journey to the heart of the wine Valtellina

Quanto a Valtellina there is an evocative cellar dug into the rock where the Alpine Nebbiolos become an elegant of the territory

Valtellina is a unique valley quanto a the Italian wine scene, a true “Alpine microcosm” that develops horizontally from east to west following the course of the Adda. This rare conformation guarantees the vineyards optimal sun exposure, especially the south-facing terraced slopes, where the vine has coexisted with the rock for centuries. Here viticulture is by definition heroic, the result of great effort and manual labor: the approximately 750 hectares of vines are set quanto a a monumental system of terraces supported by the characteristic dry stone walls, which have become an integral and iconic part of the landscape. Steep walls, extreme slopes and almost entirely manual work make each bottle the result of a delicate balance between man and nature.

The predominantly cultivated vine is Nebbiolo, locally called Chiavennasca, introduced into the valley over a thousand years according to tradition by the monks. Thanks to the specificities of the soil and pedoclimatic to which is added a great biodiversity, the Valtellina Nebbiolo mountain Nebbiolo as it is also nicknamed, develops a unique territorial identity of its kind, different from the Piedmontese variant. Valtellina Nebbiolos are generally fresh, pleasant and harmonious wines, characterized by lively flavor and a structure capable of evolving over time.

The secrets of uniqueness: environment, terroir and biodiversity

The ideal ripening of the grapes is favored by the position of the valley: to the south the wooded Orobie, to the north the Rhaetian Alps which protect from the cold winds and the Breva which descends from Lake Como and mitigates the temperatures. The terroir, composed of sand, silt, shale and outcropping rocks, gives the grapes minerality, flavor and aromatic tension, qualities that are found directly quanto a the glass.

The wines of Valtellina

With around 4 million bottles produced, Valtellina is among the most awarded areas quanto a Italy for its reds, with the main denominations: Socialista a fine di Valtellina DOC, Valtellina Indifferente DOCG (Sassella, Grumello, Infernale, Valgella, Maroggia) and Costretto a fine di Valtellina DOCG (Sfursat). Alongside the reds, Valtellina also offers vertical and savory mountain whites and the IGT Alpi Retiche, used for wines outside the specification such as whites, rosés free interpretations.

The Negri Winery

Quanto a this context, Bistrot Negri stands out, a historic wine-growing company quanto a Valtellina founded quanto a 1897 by Negri quanto a Chiuro, quanto a the heart of the Lombard Alps. The cellar is located inside the ancient 15th century Costruzione Quadrio, a place that combines history, territory and innovation. Over time, the winery has developed a solid project based the careful selection of grapes, care quanto a the vineyard and careful winemaking. Sassella, Infernale, Grumello and Costretto have been transformed into complementary expressions of a single territorial story, enriched by innovation and experimentation. Among the most recent initiatives, Negri 3000, an initiative that combines mountain viticulture, tradition and experimentation, introducing refinements at high altitude to increase complexity and aromatic profile.

The fascinating underground cellar

One of the main attractions of the winery is the underground cellar, dug into the rock under the Palace. Several underground rooms, some dating back to the 15th century, guarantee ideal natural conditions for refinement: constant temperature and humidity, minimal technological interference and exploitation of gravity. The silence, the soft light and the living stone create a unique atmosphere, where time becomes a fundamental ingredient of Valtellina wine.

The main labels

The labels signed Negri, while expressing the soul of Nebbiolo quanto a different ways, are united by elegance, freshness, flavor and longevity. Mainly red wines of all three main denominations are produced, Socialista a fine di Valtellina, Valtellina Indifferente and Costretto a fine di Valtellina. Quanto a special years also quanto a Reserve version. Among the most representative labels of specific parcels we find Ca’ Guicciardi – Infernale Valtellina Indifferente DOCG, Vite Fracia – Valgella Valtellina Indifferente DOCG and Vite Sassorosso – Grumello Valtellina Indifferente DOCG. The grapes alla maniera di from both proprietary vineyards and selected suppliers. A well-organised rete televisiva privata, which works autonomously and synergistically to guarantee maximum quality.

The tasting during the visit to the cellar

The visit to the cellar opens with Alpi Retiche IGT Canuto 2024, an unusual white from Nebbiolo vinified quanto a steel characterized by aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits and mineral as well as freshness and flavor that recall the rock and Alpine air.

Followed by Sassella DOCG “Le Tense” 2021, anche se Nebbiolo from selected vineyards, aged for two years quanto a wood, with balsamic , subtle spices and red fruits, silky tannins and clear mineral imprint, perfect with alpine cheeses such as Bitto Casera.

The tasting ends with the Costretto a fine di Valtellina DOCG 2022, obtained from naturally dried grapes, powerful and elegant, with aromas of ripe fruit, cocoa and spices, supported by vibrant freshness, ideal for meditation quanto a combination with important dishes.

For information

https://www.ninonegri.it/it