Valtellina Superiore Inferno DOCG 2012 Balgera

The Valtellina Superiore Inferno of the Balgera winery is rooted in the terraced vineyards of the homonymous sub-area of the Valtellina, in that part of Lombardy's mountain wine-growing region which is defined by chance as heroic.

The vineyards belonging to this denomination range are located in the municipalities of Poggiridenti and Tresivio, in the province of Sondrio, at an altitude of between 200 and 500 meters above sea level. This area owes its name, 'Hell', to the exceptional temperatures it reaches during the warm months, when the sun irradiates the slopes from morning to evening with particular intensity. This is why, here, the harvest is not an easy time. It takes place manually and the grapes are transported by means of shoulder panniers. The vinification ends with a long aging of 3/4 years in oak barrels, followed by a further maturation period in the bottle for about 6 months.

At sight it is ruby red with excellent brightness. Its scent plays on fruity tones of jams and dried violet floral, placed on a toasted background reminiscent of cocoa and coffee, as well as dark earthy notes. In the mouth the tannin affirms class and composure. The mineral mountain soil recurs in the sip together with the freshness, balanced very well in the full body. It closes with a finish marked on the ripe fruit.

To be combined with a dish of tagliatelle with venison ragout.