What wine is Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza
The Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza is a pure Nebbiolo (locally called Chiavennasca) produced in the historic Plozza winery in Tirano, in the heart of Valtellina. It is a wine with an authentic character, which tells the story of the Alpine territory through a refined balance between elegance and structure. The denomination Rosso di Valtellina DOC represents one of the most harmonious expressions of Valtellina Nebbiolo, less austere than Valtellina Superiore but capable of surprising with its freshness and depth.Vintage Details
The 2015 harvest was considered one of the best of the decade in Valtellina. The hot and dry summer favored optimal grape ripening, ensuring remarkable aromatic concentration and perfectly ripe tannins. The result is a wine with a natural balance, with marked finesse and a profile that maintains the unmistakable mountain freshness of Nebbiolo.Vinification and Aging
The Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza is made with traditional vinification with fermentation on the skins for about two weeks, in order to extract color and aromas without losing the typical finesse of the grape variety. After fermentation, the wine ages for 48 months in a large 10,650-liter chestnut barrel, a material that imparts softness and a more delicate tannic texture. The long aging also contributes to the aromatic complexity, resulting in a ready wine that can evolve further over time.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a bright garnet red, typical of aged Nebbiolo, with reflections that tend slightly to orange, a sign of elegant evolution.Aroma
The bouquet is fine and persistent: notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and currant, stand out, blending with hints of dried flowers, sweet spices, and a delicate balsamic trace. Aging in chestnut adds toasted nuances and a touch of mountain herbs, evoking the Valtellina landscape.Taste
On the palate, it stands out for its balanced structure and medium body, supported by silky and well-integrated tannins. The entry is soft, the progression elegant, and the finish long and clean, with a return of red fruit and spices. It is a wine that invites the next sip, perfect for those who love refined but not excessively complex Nebbiolo.Food Pairings for Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza
Rosso di Valtellina '026' 2015 is an extremely versatile wine at the table. Its freshness and elegant structure make it ideal to accompany:- Typical Alpine dishes such as Valtellina pizzoccheri or sciatt
- First courses based on mushrooms or light ragouts
- Grilled white or red meats
- Medium-aged cheeses
Storage and Aging: How to store Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza wine
To best preserve its characteristics, the Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza should be stored in a cool environment, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from direct light and temperature changes. The bottle should remain lying down, so that the cork stays moist and ensures a perfect seal. Thanks to the long barrel aging, this wine can continue to evolve for several more years, acquiring increasingly complex and soft nuances. If stored correctly, it will express all its elegance even 8-10 years after the harvest.Plozza
The history of Plozza winery The Plozza winery is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Founded in the early 20th century in the picturesque Valtellina region, this winery has managed to keep the area's winemaking heritage alive while introducing improvements to adapt to modern times. With...
How to best open and serve Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza, place the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours if it has been stored horizontally. This allows the natural sediments of aged wine to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass during serving.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza best expresses its aromatic elegance when served at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C. If the wine is slightly colder, you can let it rest for a few minutes in the glass to reach the ideal temperature.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or screw pull corkscrew to gently extract the cork. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the capsule, cutting it below the rim.
- Clean the neck of the bottle with a dry, clean cloth.
- Insert the screw of the corkscrew into the center of the cork and turn gently to avoid breaking it.
- Extract the cork slowly, keeping the bottle still and tilted as little as possible.
4. Inspection and first taste
Smell the cork to ensure it has no unpleasant odors (such as mold or vinegar). Pour a small amount of wine into the glass and take a first taste to check its quality. A wine in perfect condition should be clean on the nose and harmonious on the palate.
5. Decanting and aeration
Being a 2015 wine, decanting is recommended to eliminate any sediments and promote aeration. Proceed as follows:
- Slowly pour the Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza into a clean carafe or decanter.
- Allow the wine to rest for approximately 30-45 minutes to allow the bouquet to fully open.
- During decanting, avoid abrupt movements to prevent disturbing the sediments at the bottom.
Aeration highlights the aromas of ripe red fruit, delicate spices, and elegant mineral notes typical of Valtellina.
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large glasses, which allow for adequate aeration and enhance the complex aromas of the Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza. Pour moderate amounts to maintain the temperature and allow optimal swirling in the glass. Pair the wine with traditional Lombard dishes, such as roasted meats or aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If you don't finish the entire bottle, store the wine in a cool, dark place, with the cork tightly closed or using a vacuum stopper. It is advisable to consume it within 24-48 hours of opening to fully enjoy its aromatic characteristics.
By following these simple instructions, you will be able to best appreciate the richness and elegance of Rosso di Valtellina DOC '026' 2015 - Plozza, a wine that represents the authenticity and winemaking tradition of Lombardy.