1 BOTTLE X 75cl. 

The grapes: 100% Chiavennasca, the local name of Nebbiolo.

The vineyard: the prime vines of Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore on the slopes of the Rhaetian Alps, along the right-hand bank of the River Adda. The vineyards are exposed towards the south at an altitude ranging from 350 to 500 metres while the vines are cultivated using the arched variant of the Guyot system. The loose and sandy, shallow and not very fertile soil is supported by dry walls.

Vinification: selection of the grapes began in the second half of September and was completed at the end of the month. The grapes were allowed to dry naturally in boxes where they lost between 30 and 35% of their weight. We vinified the grapes at the beginning of January 2012 in a temperature-controlled vinifier with prolonged maceration (16 days). Ageing: after a period in steel containers, the wine was transferred to 32 and 52 hl French oak barrels for 24 months.

The wine: an intense garnet colour, and a well-pronounced and complex ethereal perfume, with dominant spicy notes (clove, cinnamon, pepper) and with hints of plum jam; a dry, warm, savoury, austere and harmonious flavour with an elegant quite persistent underlying taste of toasted hazelnut and liquorice.

Analytical data: alcohol 15.60 %; total acidity 5.50 g/l; pH 3.79; sugars 2.00 g/l; extract 33.70 g/l.

Optimum conservation: 12/15 years in bottles on their sides in a cool dark environment.

Serve with: roast red meats, game and mature cheeses. Serving temperature: 17℃.

Curiosities: Sfursat comes from a selection of the finest Valtellina grapes subject to natural raisining. The resulting wine is particularly robust and strong; it is only produced in the most favourable years and in limited quantities.