2005 Valtellina Superiore Inferno Mazer DOC

Dry and savoury, this is an elegant and approachable wine from the mountainous region of northern Lombardy. Displays great depth.

Chiavennasca is the local name for the Nebbiolo grape variety.

Tasting Notes
Vivid ruby colour, with orange tints; heady bouquet of considerable finesse with hints of plums, mulberries, roses and dried violets, backed by pleasing suggestions of resin and spices (cloves, cinnamon); dry, very savoury, rather tannic flavour with an elegant, lingering aftertaste of toasted hazelnuts.

Matching
Lamb, kid, game, roasted red meats, mature cheeses (bitto).
Serving temperature: 20°C.

Winemaking Notes
Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) 90%, Pignola 5%, Pinot Nero 5%
The ripe grapes, harvested between the middle of October and early November, are vinified by the traditional red wine method, with 10 days maceration of the skins in the must; the fermentation takes place at 28-30°C. The new wine stays in stainless steel until March; then matures for 12 month in Slavonian oak vats. It spends at least three months in bottle.