Nino Negri, Valtellina Superiore DOCG (Lombardy, Italy) Nebbiolo 2016

  The Adda River flows south from the Alps of Italy’s Lombardy region.  For a brief few miles, however, the river turns westward, offering up a steep, south-facing slope that is the Valtellina Superiore.  Nino Negri is a top producer in the Valtellina Superiore.  The Valtellina has several subdivisions, but the vineyards of Grumello and Sassella rank among the best sites.  The Sassella vineyards offer a perfect habitat for the Nebbiolo vines – locally known as Chiavennasca.  Negri’s 2016 Le Tense Sassella is a multilayered, pure and nuanced red wine.  It has a lovely bouquet of dried raspberry and red cherry fruits plus hints of dried flowers, earth, tea and spices.  Its flavors are surprisingly rich and intense.  Dried raspberry and cherry fruits are underlain by elements of forest floor, tea, herbs and spices.  The remarkable complexity and balance make this a wine that you can enjoy now or cellar for another decade.