Description
The Valtellina Superiore PDO is reserved exclusively for Red wine. The Designation also incorporates numerous geographical specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Valtellina Superiore PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the Province of Sondrio, in the Lombardy region.
Description of product typologies
Valtellina Superiore PDO has a ruby-red to garnet colour; the nose reveals fragrances of pansy, rose, cherry and liquorice; it is balanced on the palate, supported by a significant tannic note which blends with fruity notes and a finish rich with chocolate, spices or tobacco. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has been aged for a minimum period of three years, commencing December 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced.Valtellina Superiore PDO wine can be released for consumption after it has been aged and matured for a minimum period of 24 months, of which at least 12 months must be in wooden barrels; the ageing period commences December 1st of the year in which the grapes were harvested.Following the authorization of competent entities, determined batches of Valtellina Superiore PDO wine can be exported to the Swiss Federation, on the condition that they have not been aged, in whole or in part, and that the ageing process is carried out within the territory of the Swiss border under the surveillance of the Protection Consortium for Valtellina Wines.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Valtellina Superiore PDO may be accompanied by five sub-geographical designations: Valtellina Superiore PDO Grumello, Valtellina Superiore PDO Inferno, Valtellina Superiore PDO Sassella, Valtellina Superiore PDO Valgella and Valtellina Superiore PDO Maroggia, which are reserved for Red wines produced with typical grapes from the terroir of origin.
Additional specifications
The Valtellina Superiore PDO designation can be followed by the specification Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.
