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. Tenuta Scerscé is a new producer in the Valtellina Superiore, established by Cristina Scarpellini in 2008. The Valtellina has several subdivisions and the vineyards of Valgella rank among the best sites. The Valgella vineyards offer a perfect habitat for the Nebbiolo vines – locally known as Chiavennasca. Scerscé’s 2018 Cristina Scarpellini Valtellina Superiore Valgella Riserva is a mouthful to say and to taste. It is an exciting, multilayered, pure and nuanced red wine. It has a lovely bouquet of red cherry and raspberry fruits plus hints of dried flowers, earth, tea and spices. Its flavors are surprisingly rich and intense. Pure 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.
Tenuta Scerscé, Valtellina Superiore Riserva (Lombardy, Italy) Nebbiolo 2018
By Wayne Belding