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DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) Italy › Lombardy Est. 1998

Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Permitted Varieties

Nebbiolo

Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Overview

Valtellina is one of the most dramatic wine regions in Europe, producing elegant Nebbiolo-based wines (locally called Chiavennasca) from impossibly steep terraced vineyards in the Alps near the Swiss border. Elevated to DOCG status in 1998, Valtellina Superiore creates a different expression of Nebbiolo than Piedmont’s Barolo and Barbaresco—lighter, more perfumed, with vibrant acidity from the Alpine climate. The region’s heroic viticulture on terraces up to 60% gradient has preserved a unique wine heritage.

Geography & Climate

Location: Northern Lombardy; Alps; Swiss border; Adda River valley

Size: ~850 ha DOCG

Elevation: 300-700m (985-2,300 ft)

Climate: Alpine-continental

  • Growing Degree Days: 1,400-1,700 GDD
  • Rainfall: 800-1,000mm
  • Temperature: Cool; significant diurnal variation

The Terraces (Terrazzamenti):

  • Stone walls built over centuries
  • Up to 60% gradient
  • UNESCO-worthy heritage
  • Europe’s most extreme viticulture

Unique Orientation: Valley runs east-west

  • North-facing valley = south-facing slopes
  • Catches maximum Alpine sun
  • Protected from cold north winds

Soil Types:

  • Rocky
  • Sandy
  • Poor in nutrients
  • Excellent drainage

Key Characteristic: Alpine altitude + terraces + Nebbiolo = elegant, perfumed wines.

Wine Styles

Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Character: Elegant, perfumed Nebbiolo

  • Rose, violet (signature)
  • Red cherry, raspberry
  • High acidity
  • Lighter than Barolo
  • Silk tannins
  • Alpine elegance

Comparison to Barolo:

AspectValtellinaBarolo
BodyMediumFull
TanninsSilkyFirm
AcidityHigherLower
AlcoholLowerHigher
StyleElegantPowerful

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG

Character: Dried-grape wine (Amarone method)

  • Grapes dried 3+ months
  • Rich, concentrated
  • Higher alcohol (14-16%)
  • Separate DOCG
  • Valtellina’s Amarone

Sub-Zones (Sottozone)

Five Named Areas:

ZoneCharacter
SassellaMost structured; age-worthy
GrumelloElegant; balanced
InfernoPowerful; warm microclimate
ValgellaLightest; aromatic
MaroggiaNewest; small

Sassella: Most prestigious; longest-lived

Classification & Regulations

DOCG Requirements:

CategoryRequirements
Valtellina SuperioreMin 90% Nebbiolo; 24 months aging
Riserva36 months aging
SforzatoDried grapes; separate DOCG

History

Timeline:

  • Roman era: Viticulture established
  • Medieval: Terraces built
  • Swiss trade: Historic export market
  • 1968: DOC established
  • 1998: DOCG elevation
  • Today: Heroic viticulture recognition

Swiss Connection: For centuries, exported to Graubünden; Swiss names remain (Sforzato).

Terrace Heritage: 2,500+ km of dry stone walls; built over 1,000+ years.

Key Constraints & Production Notes

Heroic Viticulture:

  • No mechanization (impossible)
  • Hand labor only
  • Terrace maintenance
  • Extreme labor costs

Winemaking:

  • Extended maceration
  • Large oak aging (botti)
  • Traditional approach
  • Sforzato: 100+ days drying

Aging Potential:

  • Superiore: 8-15 years
  • Riserva: 12-25 years
  • Sforzato: 15-30 years

Notable Producers

Quality Benchmarks:

  • ARPEPE (benchmark; Pelizzatti family)
  • Nino Negri
  • Rainoldi
  • Sandro Fay
  • Mamete Prevostini
  • Triacca
  • Conti Sertoli Salis
  • Dirupi

ARPEPE: Isabella Pelizzatti’s estate defines modern Valtellina quality; biodynamic.

Nino Negri: Largest; quality across range; Sforzato excellence.

The Sforzato Method

Valtellina’s Appassimento

Process:

  • Harvest healthy Nebbiolo
  • Dry on racks 3+ months
  • Lose 40%+ weight
  • Ferment concentrated must
  • Creates rich, powerful wine

Character: Raisin notes; concentration; balancing acidity.

Common Challenges

Labor Economics

  • Cause: Impossible mechanization.
  • Risk: Abandonment.
  • Response: Premium pricing; heritage recognition.

Recognition

  • Cause: Remote location; small production.
  • Risk: Obscurity.
  • Response: Quality focus; Nebbiolo identity.

Food Pairing

Classic Matches:

  • Pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta)
  • Bresaola
  • Mountain cheeses
  • Game
  • Polenta

References

  • Consorzio Tutela Vini Valtellina (2025). “Disciplinare.” Link

  • Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link

Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: Consorzio Valtellina, MIPAAF
Research Grade: Technical reference