The steeply-sloped vineyards of the of the Nino Negri estate in the Valtellina Superiore have yielded a delicate but richly nuanced red wine in the 2014 vintage. Made from the Nebbiolo grape (locally called Chiavennasca) with 10% Merlot, the Negri Quadrio red has a lovely bouquet of raspberries, cranberries, dried flowers, anise, leather and spices. Its pale color belies its rich and multilayered flavors. Dried cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruits are enhanced by subtleties of potpourri, autumn leaves, anise, vanilla, herbs and spices. The remarkable combination of delicacy and complexity is evidence of the aristocratic nature of the Nebbiolo grape. This is a delicious and affordable Nebbiolo that will provide great drinking pleasure for another 5 to 8 years.
Nino Negri, Valtellina Superiore (Lombardy, Italy) 2014
By Wayne Belding