Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
About the wine
Sforzato di Valtellina, or Sfursat, is a prestigious red wine from the Lombardy region, recognized as a DOCG since 2003. It is defined by the traditional 'appassimento' method, where Nebbiolo (locally known as Chiavennasca) grapes are harvested and dried in well-ventilated rooms until they reach high sugar concentrations. This process results in a powerful, structured, and complex wine with significant aging potential. The wine is characterized by its deep ruby color, intense aromas of ripe fruit, and a palate marked by great softness and depth, often showing subtle notes from its mandatory wood aging. Produced on the steep, terraced slopes of the Rhaetian Alps, the wine reflects the extreme viticulture of the Valtellina valley, where the combination of high-altitude sun exposure and rocky, well-draining soils creates a unique microclimate. It is a dry, full-bodied wine that stands as a testament to the historical and human dedication required to cultivate vines in such a challenging alpine environment.
Grape varieties
Production & aging
The production area is located in the province of Sondrio, specifically on the terraced slopes of the Rhaetian Alps on the right side of the Adda river, between the communes of Ardenno and Tirano. It also includes specific slopes in the communes of Piateda, Ponte in Valtellina, Villa di Tirano, and Albosaggia, generally ranging from the state road level up to 700 meters above sea level.