2005 Nino Negri INFERNO Mazer Valtellina Superiore Lombardia
Name:
Nino Negri INFERNO Mazer Valtellina Superiore Lombardia - 2005
Where it's from:
>Italy
>Lombardy
>Valtellina
Price per case:
£117.46
Bottle size:
75 cl
Bottles per case:
6
Style:
Soft & Supple Reds
Grapes:
Nebbiolo / Pinto Noir / Pignola Valtellinese
Description:
Inferno is the smallest of the 4 sub-zones of the DOCG Valtellina Superiore; 68 hectares of vineyards between Poggiridenti and Trevisio, along the slopes of the Retiche Alps, on the right bank of the river Adda, in the province of Sondrio. The name comes from the steep slopes which make it very difficult to work and from the high summer temperature caused by the reflection of the sun on the rocks. A blend of 90% Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo); 10% Pignola Valtellinese and Pinto Nero (Pinot Noir) is selected from vineyards in the sub-zone of Inferno, in the commune of Tresivio, at 350-500 metres altitude, the South facing slopes are on loose, sandy soil. The ripe grapes, harvested between the middle of October and early November, are vinified by the traditional red wine method, with 10 days maceration of the skins in the must; the fermentation takes place at 28-30°C. The new wine stays in stainless steel until March; then matures for 12 month in Slavonian oak vats. It spends at least three months in bottle. Vivid ruby colour, with orange tints and a heady bouquet of considerable finesse with hints of plums, mulberries, roses and dried violets, backed by pleasing suggestions of resin and spices. Dry, very savoury, rather tannic flavour with an elegant, lingering aftertaste of toasted hazelnuts.
