The history of the Nino Negri winery goes back a long way and is inextricably linked to the oenological evolution of Valtellina. It all began in 1897, when Nino Negri decided to set up a wine business in Chiuro in the province of Sondrio. Growth accelerated in the decades to come; in the post-war period it was one of the most promising wineries in the area. After several changes of ownership, today it has 33 hectares of land in the most prestigious areas including Inferno, Grumello, and Fracia, at the heart of Valgella, with an average annual production of 800,000 bottles. The area's queen grape is a local variant of Nebbiolo called Chiavennasca. Sforzato 5 Stelle is made exclusively from Chiavennasca grapes from vineyards in the Valtellina DOC and DOCG designations that grow on the slopes of the Rhaetian Alps on the right bank of the Adda river. The grapes are selected in the vineyard, deposited on crates, and allowed to dry naturally in a drying loft, losing around 30% of their weight. Ageing lasts for two years, during which time the wine rests in French oak barriques. 5 Stelle Sforzato has an intense garnet colour with ruby reflections. It is explosively aromatic on the nose with notes of flowers and Mediterranean spices along with balsamic hints and an undertone of ripe black plum. In the mouth, it is extremely balanced with a beguiling crisp fruitiness. The finish is long and pleasantly full-flavoured. This Valtellina red is perfect for pairing with dishes based on read meat or mature cheeses.
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