Valtellina is one of the most fascinating wine regions in Italy, a place where winemaking tradition meets the breathtaking beauty of the Orobie Alps. Here, among the narrow valleys and terraces that climb the mountains, some of the most prestigious and distinctive wines of Lombardy are produced, with a particular focus on Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca.
The Wine of Valtellina
The main protagonist of Valtellina is undoubtedly Nebbiolo, which here gives life to elegant, structured wines with a marked acidity, perfect for aging over time. The best known and most appreciated wines are Valtellina Superiore DOCG and Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, a raisin wine that is obtained from dried grapes, with a rich and powerful taste. Valtellina also stands out for its incredible terroir: the vineyards are cultivated on steep slopes, where the grapes are harvested by hand, using the technique of terraces that have been built over the centuries. This unique landscape gives the wine a special personality, with notes of ripe fruit, spices, alpine herbs and a typical mineral aftertaste that reflects the mountainous terrain.
Scopriamo insieme alcune cantine della Valtellina dove è possibile fare degustazioni e visitare cantine e vigneti.
Tour alla Cantina Nera
Una delle cantine storiche della Valtellina è sicuramente la Cantina Nera, che si trova nel cuore della valle, nella zona di Sondrio. La cantina, fondata nel 1931, è un punto di riferimento per chi vuole conoscere a fondo la storia e la tradizione vinicola della zona.
Durante il tour alla Cantina Nera, avrai l’opportunità di esplorare le moderne strutture aziendali, che convivono perfettamente con la tradizione e la storia della vinificazione valtellinese. Potrai passeggiare tra i vigneti che si affacciano sulla valle, imparando come la viticoltura nelle terre alte viene affrontata con passione e dedizione. La visita continua con un’immersione nel cuore della cantina, dove vengono spiegati i processi di vinificazione, dall’uva alla bottiglia.
Un punto forte della visita alla Cantina Nera è la degustazione dei Valtellina Superiore DOCG, con particolare attenzione al Valtellina Superiore Riserva che è uno dei loro fiori all’occhiello. Potrai anche degustare lo Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG, un vino corposo e potente, che conquista per la sua eleganza e intensità.
La Cantina Nera si distingue anche per il suo impegno verso l’ambiente, utilizzando pratiche di agricoltura sostenibile e cercando di preservare l’equilibrio tra l’uomo e la natura.
Tour of the Balgera Winery
Another unmissable place is the Balgera Winery, located in Teglio, one of the most famous areas for the production of Nebbiolo in Valtellina. The winery, which boasts a centuries-old tradition, is a real point of reference for the production of Sforzato di Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore DOCG. The tour to the Balgera Winery is an experience that will take you to the heart of the Valtellina tradition, where you can admire the centuries-old vineyards, cultivated on terraces overlooking the valley. The visit includes a detailed explanation of the winemaking process, from drying the grapes for the Sforzato, to fermentation and aging in wooden barrels, which give the wine complexity and character. During the tasting, you will have the opportunity to taste the winery’s Valtellina Superiore DOCG, an elegant and refined wine, but also the Sforzato which, thanks to the drying technique, develops a remarkable concentration and a unique structure. The Balgera winery is also known for its Valtellina vin santo, a sweet wine that represents an authentic specialty of the area. On both tours, you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of winemaking in one of the most evocative areas of Italy, learn about the stories of local producers and taste wines that tell the story of the territory. Each winery is a journey that will lead you to better understand how the culture of wine is rooted in the tradition of Valtellina, and how each bottle is the result of a passion that has lasted for centuries. In addition, many wineries offer the opportunity to pair wines with typical local products, such as Valtellina cheeses (such as Bitto and Casera), bresaola, or typical dishes such as pizzoccheri, a rustic pasta dish that goes perfectly with local wines.
Thanks to our transfer service with Mercedes V-Class you can enjoy your day discovering the wineries of Valtellina with complete peace of mind!
