Im biased towards Italian mountain reds, so not surprised that I have a crush on this qpr from Lombardy. For about 16$ you get a lithe,medium bodied 90% Chiavennasca (local version of Nebbiolo), 10% merlot with an ease on the palate- ‘suppose that’s the influence of the Merlot. Builds in power & depth with air. Sweet rose hips, wild berries, underbrush. Nice back end length though the sweetness not my thing. For Nebbiolo fiends, a real find. Only about 1800 bottles imported, according to its importer, Wildman.
Im biased towards Italian mountain reds, so not surprised that I have a crush on this qpr from Lombardy. For about 16$ you get a lithe,medium bodied 90% Chiavennasca (local version of Nebbiolo), 10% merlot with an ease on the palate- ‘suppose that’s the influence of the Merlot. Builds in power & depth with air. Sweet rose hips, wild berries, underbrush. Nice back end length though the sweetness not my thing. For Nebbiolo fiends, a real find. Only about 1800 bottles imported, according to its importer, Wildman.
1 person found it helpfulSep 27th, 2021
Not sure why the decided to add the 10% of Merlot to the blend.
It may be a bit rounder, more polished and accessible- but I’d say the Nebbiolo fragrance is diminished, and the edginess I really like in Valtellina is softened a bit too much.
It’s still a perfectly good & drinkable wine - but not one if the best Valtellinas out there.
Not sure why the decided to add the 10% of Merlot to the blend.
It may be a bit rounder, more polished and accessible- but I’d say the Nebbiolo fragrance is diminished, and the edginess I really like in Valtellina is softened a bit too much.
It’s still a perfectly good & drinkable wine - but not one if the best Valtellinas out there.
Feb 3rd, 2021
Valtellina, Sondrio, Lombardia, Italy
