2004 Nino Negri LE TENSE SASSELLA Valtellina Superiore Lombardia
Name:
Nino Negri LE TENSE SASSELLA Valtellina Superiore Lombardia - 2004
Where it's from:
>Italy
>Lombardy
>Valtellina
Price per case:
£116.23
Bottle size:
75 cl
Bottles per case:
6
Style:
Soft & Supple Reds
Grapes:
Nebbiolo / Pinto Noir / Pignola Valtellinese
Description:
Sassella is the second, in size, of the four sub-zones of the DOCG Valtellina Superiore: about 150 hectares, from Castione Andevenno to the gates of Sondrio. The name comes from the chapel of Sassella (from sasso, rock) at the base of the headland of the same name. A blend of 90% Chiavennasca (the local name for Nebbiolo); 10% Pignola Valtellina and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) from selected vineyards in the sub-zone of Sassella at 350-500 metres altitude. The ripe grapes, harvested between the middle of October and early November, are vinified by the traditional red wine method, with ten days maceration of the skins in the must; the fermentation takes place at 28-30°C. The new wine stays in stainless steel tanks until March; then matures for 12 months in Slavonian oak vats and it rests in bottle for at least three months. Ruby red colour with garnet hues and an intense, elegant bouquet with hints of raspberry preserve, resin and tar with suggestions of dried flowers (roses and violets) and of cloves. A dry, firm, balanced flavour with a distinctive, lingering aftertaste of prunes and toasted almonds make this a wine to savour.
