Sassella Valtellina Superiore Le Tense 2021

What kind of wine it is

Le Tense Sassella Valtellina Superiore Nino Negri is a red wine with Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin from Lombardy, made from Nebbiolo grapes, locally known as Chiavennasca, aged in French oak barrels and displaying a bright garnet colour. On the nose, aromas of raspberry and black cherry emerge, enhanced by notes of violet, sweet spices and a delicate hint of orange zest. On the palate, it reveals a structured body, supported by ripe tannins and a pronounced savouriness. The sip evolves harmoniously with echoes of red fruit and spices, finishing with a persistent finish ideal for roasted meats or game.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the Minè, Chiesa Sassella and Grigioni-Cà Bianca vineyards, located in the historic Sassella subzone within Valtellina. In this context of heroic viticulture, the vines grow between 300 and 450 metres above sea level, benefiting from perfect sun exposure. The roots explore an ancient rocky terroir, characterised by stony soils, sandy and shallow, shaped by the typical dry-stone walls. The dry nature and low fertility of the soil limit the vigour of the plant, giving the bunches the distinctive structure of the Lombard Alpine slope.

How it is produced

The harvest, carried out by hand at the beginning of October, involves vines trained using the Valtellina arch technique. The process includes temperature-controlled fermentation with a five-day maceration, followed by a period in stainless steel. Ageing lasts about twenty months, carried out in French oak barrels and barriques, to refine the wine's texture before resting in the bottle. The name of the cuvée recalls the period of the Three Leagues' rule, when the most precious vineyards were called "tense" and protected by arbostrari guardians, confirming the exceptional agricultural value of these lands.