• Food & Wine

Wines of Valtellina

Find out the history behind what makes the wines of Valtellina great. This land has been famous for its vineyards and wine since Roman times.

 

Enter the valley and gaze upon the magnificent terrace system comprising stone walls that spread for 2500 kilometers (nowadays vying to become a UNESCO Heritage Site), making it possible to grow vineyards in the Rhaetian Alps steep, sunny areas.

Stop by one of its winemakers and try the fruits of their labor: the wines of the Valtellina area are protected by the DOC and DOCG labels, made with nebbiolo grapes that highlight their qualities.

Among the DOCG varieties, do not miss the Sforzato, red straw wine, or the Valtellina Superiore, made with grapes from the area between Berbeno di Valtellina and Tirano, this kind is divided in five subcategories: Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno and Valgella.

Enter the world of viticulture with the help of director Ermanno Olmi, who dedicated his docu-film Rupi del Vino to the wines of Valtellina.

This land's red wines are produced under the precious care of the Valtellina Wine Protection Consortioum. They are produced with nebbiolo grapes, a noble late-ripening grape variety that has managed witth he course of centuries to create a perfect combination of factors to make unique wines like the Valtellina Superiore, divided in five sublabels: Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, Valgella which alongside the Sforzato variety boasts a DOCG denomination.

The latter is obtained by hand-picking the finest grape clusters, then dried on wooden racks inside a dry, well-ventilated place known as Fruttaio for at least 110 days until late january. Wintertime climate in Valtellina will take care of drying the grapes.

Its name is the result of extending the grapes' aging process for a few months after the harvest, thus forcing it. Grape clusters are cherry-picked before the harvest by hand, watching out for not damaging the grape skins. Lying in boxes, they wither for about three months in dry, well-ventilated structures. This means a decrease in their weight: 1.2 kilograms of withered grapes are derived from 2 kg of fresh grapes. Clusters stay alive, with their juice concentrating and developing aromatic substances that are not usually found in fresh grapes.

It is unconceivable to leave the Valtellina area without making a toast. Where? At the many wine cellars, restaurants and town fairs where you can pair a glass of fine wine with all of the land's delicacies.

Winemakers' hospitality will involve visitors in gettinga more informed understanding of the whole production process of the DOCG Valtellina wines. You will get the opportunity to taste them with authentic local products.

In order to help visitors to organize their trip, we would like to point you to the best known Winemakers in the province of Sondrio. Our list includes addresses, phone numbers and websites. Let us remind you that visits are usually agreed upon by making reservations by phone. 

Visit the Wine and Flavor Trail of the Valtellina


Other links

http://www.stradavinivaltellina.com
Take me here: Wines of Valtellina

On the same topic

Lemons of Garda

Beautiful greenhouse gardens enrich the Brescia side of the lake, made of walls and white pillars that climb the mountain, in total harmony with the environment
  • Food & Wine
Lemons of Garda, renowned local products

Polenta and Misultin Recipe

Well-roasted polenta and salty missolitini to be skipped on the plate
  • Food & Wine
Polenta and Misultin Recipe, a winning combination

Cremona Local Products Guide

meats and cheeses characterize the Cremonese gastronomy
  • Food & Wine
Cremona local products guide, gourmet experiences

Campagna Amica, the Sunday markets

In Stradivari Square in Cremona
  • Food & Wine
Campagna Amica, the Sunday markets

Pavese Rice

The province of Pavia, Italian rice capital!
  • Food & Wine
Risotto

Varese Local Products Guide

The typical products with which to prepare the dining table are varied and include all the dishes: from appetizers to desserts
  • Food & Wine
Varese local products guide, essential tips

Bata Lavar

A traditional pasta dish from the town of Canneto Pavese
  • Food & Wine
Bata Lavar

Gorgonzola

A DOP cheese from the Province of Milan
  • Food & Wine
Gorgonzola

Eating at Lake Iseo

Between fish and good wine
  • Food & Wine
Dried Sardines: eat them with Polenta

Eating in Como

Here are some suggestions of what to eat in Como
  • Food & Wine
Eating in Como, 3 culinary worlds and 5 different restaurants

Christmas sweets in Lombardy

Christmas is on its way. The confectionery tradition in Lombardy is rich and varied, and each province has its own typical dessert.
  • Food & Wine
Christmas sweets in Lombardy

A toast to the vineyards and wineries of Lombardy

Lombard vineyards and wineries are eager to welcome tourists and visitors to enjoy the last phases of the harvest. 
  • Food & Wine
Calici alzati nei vigneti e nelle cantine della Lombardia - San Colombano

Bike riding along San Colombano’s Wine Route

Vini e prodotti della Pianura Padana. La Strada del Vino San Colombano è un percorso di eccellenze dalla storia centenaria
  • Food & Wine
Bike riding along San Colombano’s Wine Route

Taste and relaxation in the vineyards

From hills to wineries, welcoming the autumn on a journey through tasting, culture, and relaxation.
  • Food & Wine
Vigneti in Lombardia@inLombardia

A little bit of Valtellina on the table: sciatt

  • Food & Wine
A little bit of Valtellina on the table: sciatt

The appetizers of the Lombardic tradition

We bring the traditional Lombardic gastronomic culture back to the table, starting with appetizers
  • Food & Wine
The appetizers of the Lombardic tradition

Where to eat in Lecco

  • Food & Wine
The 6 best proposals about where to eat in Lecco

Salame d’Oca Ecumenico

The Salame d’Oca di Mortara IGP is an outstanding product of Lomellina’s gastronomic tradition.
  • Food & Wine
Salame d'Oca

Bagnaria Cherries

The Cherry of Bagnaria is part of the important network of the National Association of "Cities of Cherries."
  • Food & Wine
Ciliege di Bagnaria

Typical Lombardy mountain dishes

Discover Lombardy's typical high-altitude dishes. Dive into traditional Alpine cuisine and its authentic flavours
  • Food & Wine
Typical Lombardy mountain dishes - Pizzoccheri Valtellina