deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Valtellina is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, hot spring spas, bresaola, cheeses and its red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape. The noble red grape of Piedmont is famous in Barolo and Barbaresco, but a different take exists along the sun-drenched, South-facing slopes of the Alps, where the landscape boasts 2,500 kilometers of dry stone-walled terraces of grapevines. Recognized by UNESCO, this area is home to Mamete Prevostini’s prized vineyards, the largest terraced vineyard in Northern Italy. The unique climate, with modest rainfall, hot summers and significant temperature variations, shapes their distinctive alpine Nebbiolo. Cultivating vines in the challenging terrains of the Alps has been and is a labour of love, driven by a deep connection to the land and age-old rituals practiced over centuries.

Nebbiolo is a fickle creature; it s difficult to grow successfully (like Pinot Noir) and even harder to manage in the cellar. ike much of Italy, Valtellina has been a wine-producing area for over 2,000 years. Indeed, wine was made here by the Ancient Ligurians and Etruscans even before the Romans arrived.

Prevostini’s four vineyard plots are spread across the Valtellina mountains, each telling a unique story. With varying elevations, orientations and ages, each contribute to the exceptional quality and character of the wines. Ranging from 300 to 700 meters above sea level, these vineyards produce grapes with remarkable body, delicacy and fantastic aging potential. An art that Mamete Prevostini, has arguably perfected over time!

Valtellina wines are hard to come by in our neck of the woods, so please explore this producer – the wines are distinctive with forest floor, a certain smokiness/spiciness with a reverberation of minerality on the finish. A great food wine including osso bucco.

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