Prugnolo

Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.G. 1998

A full-bodied wine crafted by Rainoldi, the premier producer in Lombardia, from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown on the small ledge vineyards on the steep mountain slopes in the Valtellina region of northern Italy.

The carefully selected grapes are control temperature fermented with pump-over and then aged 12 months in small barrels that had previously aged the award winning Ca' Rizzieri Sfursat (a wine made like Amarone but with Nebbiolo grapes instead), blended and bottle refined 12 months before release.  Deep ruby colour with a fruity bouquet that hints of plums, cherries, and walnuts.  It is harmonic and elegant - a wine of great distinction even when young. 

Wine Spectator 90 Points  "Ripe and decadent nose of toffee, fruit and raisins.  Full-bodied and very ripe with loads of fruit and thick, round tannins.  Like an Amarone in style."   31/07/02

SKU +632521

Il Crespino

Valtellina Superiore DOCG 1999

When the colours of "Il Crespino" (the bramble rose berry) reach the height of their splendour, then it is the ideal moment to harvest the Nebbiolo grapes that come from the terraces clinging to live rock in the sub-area of Valtellina Superiore.  Estate grown and produced only in the best vintages.  Both the fermentation and maturation take place in lightly toasted "Allier" barriques over a period of 15 months.  The wine is then refined in bottle for an additional 12 months in cool dark cellars before being released.

A ruby red colour, a delicate bouquet of hazelnut, ethereal, with hints of oak, a clear flavour , tannic to the right extent and very well balanced.  Slightly reminiscent of fine Burgundy.  Serve with red meats and mature cheese.  This wine requires decanting and large glasses to best appreciate its complexities. 

Due Bicchieri - Gambero Rosso

SKU +715557

Fruttaio Ca' Rizzieri

Valtellina DOC Sfursat 1999

A robust wine with high alcoholic content, obtained only from favourable vintages of a selection of Nebbiolo grapes estate grown on the high terraces on the Italian-Swiss border.  The grapes are dried for three months (like Amarone form Veneto) before a second selection and pressing.  It is characterized by a Burgundy red colour, intense and spicy bouquet, with clear notes of coffee, cocoa, roasted hazelnut and dried grape. 

Warm, vigorous with a full, austere rounded and balanced flavour with hints of new wood that is delicate and refined.   

Tre Bicchieri - Gambero Rosso 2003

SKU +715318

Sfursat 1999

Valtellina D.O.C.

The characteristics of this wine derive from a particular production method. Sfursat (meaning "strained" in local dialect) is in fact the result of making wine from 100% (Chiavennasca) Nebbiolo grapes picked in late October that have been left to dry on mats until early February so that the sugar content is concentrated and a special harmonious taste is developed. In the Veneto region, Amarone is made this  same way.

Deep garnet red in colour, it is an alcoholic wine, full, smooth, with an intense, complex bouquet, and should be drunk with roast dinner or, warmed in large glasses, sipped at the end of dinner as a wine for meditation.

A wine suitable for long ageing. Best consumed at 18 - 20⁰ C, decanted and left to breathe for 1 to 2 hours after being opened.

SKU +023010   BC

Inferno Barrique 1997

Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.

A red wine with a strong personality, it is obtained from rigorously selected 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown on the smallest and rockiest sub-area of the Valtellina Superiore. Aged 3 years in Allier Oak barriques, this special reserve wine refined its dry and velvety taste after further resting an additional two years in the bottle.

Ruby to garnet red with orange shades' it has a bouquet that is delicate, hazel, ethereal, and slightly oaken. Particular, harmonious, expressive, velvety and aristocratic to the taste. A delicate balance of bouquet happily harmonized with wood. Suitable with all red meats particularly game and with seasoned cheeses. Best consumed at 18-20⁰C. It is advisable to open the bottle at least 2 to 3 hours prior to drinking.

SKU +360404

Inferno Riserva 1994 

Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.

review in progress

SKU +360412

in Alberta only

Inferno 1995

Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.

This wine comes from the smallest and rockiest of the four Valtellina Superiore sub-areas. Brilliant ruby red in colour with a bouquet that is delicate and subtle and to the palate it is resolute, tannic in a right measure, and harmonious.

It is a red wine slightly rough when young and which mellows with age, with a particularly characteristic bouquet and body.  It is excellent with red meats, game and ripe cheese.

SKU +360438

in Alberta only

Sassella Riserva 1994

Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.

Only produced in the best years from a strict selection of 100% Nebbiolo grapes from finest terrace vineyards. A traditional vinification of the soft pressed grapes followed by four years aging is small Slavonian oak barriques yields a high quality red wine that best suits game, red meat roasts and seasoned cheeses.

Garnet red in colour, verging on orange. A characteristic and intense bouquet, with a slight touch of oak. On the palate it is harmonious, velvety and strong.

Best consumed at room temperature two to three hours after opening.

SKU +360446

 in Alberta only

Sassella 1995

Valtellina Superiore D.O.C.

review in progress 

SKU +360446

Valtellina D.O.C. 1996

review in progress 

SKU +336552

in Alberta only