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Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

The highly respected sub-region of Valtellina in Italy is famous for its high-quality and classy red wines produced almost exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, also locally known as Chiavennasca. The refinement and success of Valtellina wines are a result of unique winemaking methods, delicate grapes, and excellent terroir. These elements help to create a style of wine found nowhere else in Italy, or the world, appreciated by numerous wine connoisseurs. As you embark on your travels through the wine region of Lombardy, we advise you to try these impeccable wines and not only. Valtellina wine region also features cozy, boutique wineries, stunning alpine landscapes, and exquisite local cuisine.

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Where is Valtellina wine region located?

Valtellina wine region is situated in the Rhaetian Alps in Northern Italy, near the Swiss border and the Ada River. It belongs to the larger region of Lombardy and due to its mountainous location, there are numerous ski resorts nearby. If we look at the Valtellina wine map, we’ll see that the nearest city is Sondrio, still, Milan, lake Como, and even Lugano are not far either, they are around 2 hours drive. The city of Milan is about 100 kilometers away, and it also offers the array of the closest wineries to Milan, which you can discover likewise.

Valtellina
Valtellina wine region

The history of Valtellina wine region

Valtellina wine appellation may not be as famous as other Italian wine regions, still is very popular among Nebbiolo lovers and a wondering opportunity to discover for curious wine enthusiasts, as these wines have much potential. Wine production in Valtellina dates back to 2,000 years ago. Its long history is just as rich and containing as that of other parts of Italy. Certainly, before the Romans arrived, Ancient Ligurians and Etruscans were making wine in Valtellina. Over time, farmers found out that viticulture at higher altitudes improved the wine quality. Therefore, the vineyards were cultivated on steeply slanted hills in Valtellina. Leonardo da Vinci is famous for his Codex Atlanticus and many other works, but he also wrote about the wines of Valtellina, saying it's a valley surrounded by tall mountains that makes strong wine. This description still holds true to this day, indeed Valtellina red wines are robust and intense. Ultimately, the Valtellina wine region became DOC in 1968 but was granted full DOCG status in 2003.

Valtellina wine appellation terroir

The soil type here is alluvial and gravelly, it's well-drained, rich in silica, and littered with stones that absorb heat during the day and release that heat later in the evenings; It helps to compensate for the high diurnal temperature variation of the area, as well as to relatively prevent frosts in spring. This soil of the region along with the cool but sunny climate is ideal for growing quality grapes, which means the environment perfectly complements the type of ripe grape that grows here. Cold alpine breezes and warmer air currents from Lake Como help to keep the number of fungal diseases to a minimum. Most of our Valtellina vineyards are situated at relatively high altitudes, for example at 230–765 meters above sea level. This makes harvesting grapes both an arduous and costly task, as many vineyards are so steep. In Valtellina, most of the viticultural labor is still done by hand and this accounts for 1400 man-hours per hectare per year. This sometimes makes the Valtellina wine price as high as the slopes themselves.

Valtellina wine characteristics

The principal grape variety in Valtellina appellation is Nebbiolo, the blend should contain at least 80-90% of this variety. Valtellina wines divide into two forms: the classic Rosso di Valtellina and a sweet variety, Sfursat or Sforzato, produced from dried grapes. Also, there exists Valtellina Superiore, which is a version of local Riserva. Valtellina wines are lighter in body and less strong than other Italian regional wines. They have a crimson red colour, moderate tannins and the flavours of tart cherry and rose. Over ageing they take woody and leather notes, also the colour might shift to orange, like in average Nebbiolo-based wines The standard Rosso di Valtellina has a minimum alcohol level of 11% and should be aged for a minimum of 6 months. Whilst Valtellina Superiore and Sforzato di Valtellina must be aged for 2 years, including at least 12 months of barrel ageing. The minimum alcohol content in them is 12% and 14%, respectively.

Food to pair with Valtellina wine 

Bresaola e porcini

Bresaola e porcini is a simple, yet very delicious Italian appetizer, originated from Valtellina region. It consists of finely sliced bresaola - air-dried, salted beef charcuterie, aged for months, porcini mushrooms, dressed with freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Topped with chives and rosemary leaves, this flavourful dish is excellent to pair with Valtellina wine.

Taròz

Taròz is a hearty purée dish, very common in Valtellina. It is cooked by mixing boiled local potatoes, green beans, minced garlic and onions, and by adding butter and a good amount of mountainous Casera cheese to the mixture, blended until smooth. This cheesy delicacy is perfect to savour with a glass of local wine.

Pumpkin Tortelli

Pumpkin Tortelli also known as Pumpkin Ravioli or Ravioli alla zucca is an exotic pasta dish consisting of tortelli pasta stuffed with pumpkin and Parmesan filling. ​​Flavoured with nutmeg and cinnamon and a bit of amaretto, this sweet and savoury dish creates an awesome pair with a glass of wine, including a sweet one like local Passito as Sforzato di Valtellina.

Places to visit in Valtellina wine region

Piazza Garibaldi Giuseppe

Piazza Garibaldi is named after the hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, whose statue was moved to the square in 1909 to replace the destroyed one of Emperor Francis I of Austria. This statue of 3.60 metres was designed by the architect Luigi Cagnola to honour this Italian general, patriot, revolutionary and republican, that contributed to Italian unification and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy.

Valtellinese Museum of History and Art

Museo Valtellinese di Storia ed Arte was built in 16th century in the old town of Sondrio. Apart from an archaeological section, the museum features local discoveries of antiquities; also it has a section dedicated to Eighteenth century clothing and small paintings by Pietro Ligari - which is the most remarkable Valtellinese painter of his time. The museum also hosts a notable carved room from the Grison families that ruled the area from 1512 to 1797. The ceiling of the room is decorated with their coats of arms, and there are sacred statues from the Counter-Reformation.

Grumello Castle

Grumello castle owes its name to “grumo”, meaning the rocky hump in Italian, on which it is situated. It was built between the 13th and 14th centuries by a Ghibelline family. The strategic position of the castle allows it to overlook the city of Sondrio and a vast area of Valtellina. The castle comprises two buildings surrounded by walls. The Western building was probably residential, as the remains of a fireplace room tell this way, while the Eastern one was built as a fortress, apparently for defensive purpose, as proven by a high watchtower. The Grisons destroyed the Castel in 1526. Originally, it had a much wider structure than it has now. This can be proven by history and evidence that has been ongoing throughout time. The Grumolo castle belongs to the FAI – Italian Fund for the Environment and underwent refurbishment recently.

Grumello Castle
Grumello castle

Check out the best Wineries in Valtellina!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Valtellina wine region

What grapes are grown in Valtellina?

The primary grape variety in the Valtellina wine region is Nebbiolo, which is locally named as Chiavennasca.

What is Valtellina wine?

Valtelline wine is Nebbiolo-based, aromatic red wine with flavours of dried cherries and crimson red colour.

What is Valtellina Superiore?

Valtellina Superiore is a fine red wine, produced from Nebbiolo grapes. However, unlike standard Valtellina red it needs to be aged for at least 2 years, including 1 year of barrel ageging and has a slightly higher alcohol content of 12%.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

La Perla Di Marco Triacca
Casa Vinicola Pietro Nera
Casa Vinicola Triacca
Balgera Vini
Triasso-Sassella
Le Strie

What are some of the best Valtellina wines that people should try?

Casa Vinicola Pietro Nera Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, Lombardy, Italy
Le Strie Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, Lombardy, Italy

Map of Wineries in Valtellina

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Experiences in Valtellina

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Valtellina