2008 Dirupi Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Mission Codename: 2000 Years in the Making

Operative: Agent White & Agent Fog

Objective: Secure a wine from the historic and mountainous Valtellina region

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Dirupi

Wine Subject: 2008 Valtellina Superiore DOCG Nebbiolo

Winemaker:

Backgrounder:

The Valtellina mountains in Italy’s Lombardy region, has a wine-making history that dates back over 2000 years, with many of the region’s vineyards being designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located in the Italian Alps near the Swiss border and along the river Adda. Most unique are the south-facing hillside terrace vineyards that are planted on the step mountain sides up to about 2500 feet above sea level making mechanized harvesting totally impossible. In Leonardi Da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, he describes the Valtellina as “a valley surrounded by tall and fearsome mountains” and the wines as “heady and strong”.

Today’s selection is is a 100% Nebbiolo and the Valtellina Superiore DOCG is considered one of the most prestigious wines of all of Italy.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep ruby red with a clear bright core that shows ruby streaks when held to the light. When swirled, this springy wine has fast and tightly spaced legs that race down the side of the glass.

Smell – Pretty and aromatic with ripe and tart red fruit including red cherry, raspberry and hints of strawberry notes are layered over subtle perfumed rose petal and sandalwood. A touch of green herb, toasted oak and spice along with hints of truffle also appear.

Feel – Despite its relative youth, this full-bodied and dry wine is extremely smooth with well developed finely textured tannins; almost feminine in character. Add some lively but balanced acidity and a touch of minerality and the resulting structure lingers long into the finish.

Taste – Ripe and tart red fruit including red Italian cherry, wild raspberry and hints of strawberry blend with floral, oak and green herb notes. A touch of earthy truffle and violets adds complexity.

Finish – Long and ultra clean, this wine’s red fruit gently fades leaving behind a fresh feeling in the mouth. As the fruit lingers the finely textured tannins and acidity remain making the mouth water for another sip.

Conclusion – The 2008 Dirupi Valtellina Superiore DOCG Nebbiolo is a fantastic wine showing Nebbiolo in all its glory but not overpowering. Surprisingly smooth and plush with great red fruit that starts on the nose and lingers long into the finish. Extremely elegant with subtle complexity from start to finish. Enjoy this wine tonight or cellar for up to ten years or more and pair with a simple tagliatelle pasta with olive oil and shaved truffles (O.K., we know its not that simple, but it is certainly divine).

Mission Report:

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the the Valtellina mountains in Northern Italy can be seen in this satellite photo.