What kind of wine is Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 'Vino Sbagliato' 2022 - Dirupi

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 'Vino Sbagliato' 2022 - Dirupi is a significant, expressive, and highly characterful red wine, capable of narrating the authentic soul of Valtellina through the expert hand of the Dirupi winery. It is made from Chiavennasca grapes (the local name for Nebbiolo), hand-picked from the terraced vineyards that characterize the alpine valleys. It is a full-bodied and harmonious wine, dry and intense, which perfectly balances tradition, territory, and production precision.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage in Valtellina was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm, dry days alternating with cool nights, conditions that favored optimal grape ripening. The harvest took place manually between late September and early October, selecting only the healthiest and ripest bunches. The grapes were then left to dry in well-ventilated rooms for about three months, naturally concentrating aromas and sugars, as per the tradition of Sforzato.

Vinification and aging

After drying, fermentation occurs slowly at controlled temperatures. Maceration, the contact of the must with the skins to extract color and tannins, lasts several days, promoting structure and depth. Aging then continues in wood, in oak barrels of various sizes, for several months. This step allows the wine to soften its tannins and develop complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices, while maintaining the typical freshness of mountain wines.

Tasting Notes

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 'Vino Sbagliato' 2022 - Dirupi is a wine that captivates with its intensity, balance, and long persistence. Here's how it presents itself in the glass:

Color

Deep ruby red with garnet reflections, brilliant and consistent. The color anticipates the structure and elegance that are then found in the taste.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and refined: aromas of brandied cherry, ripe plum, and small red fruits are recognized, accompanied by notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco. As it evolves in the glass, balsamic and mineral nuances emerge, telling the story of the Valtellina territory.

Taste

On the palate, it is full, velvety, and structured. The tannins (the substances that give the pleasant dry sensation typical of structured red wines) are present but perfectly integrated. The balance between softness and freshness is impeccable, with a long and enveloping persistence that finishes on notes of dark fruit and spices.

What dishes to pair with Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 'Vino Sbagliato' 2022 - Dirupi

This wine pairs magnificently with rich and flavorful dishes that can support its structure and complexity. Some recommended pairings:

• Roasted or braised red meats
• Game, such as venison or wild boar
• Aged and blue cheeses
• Typical Valtellina dishes, such as pizzoccheri with butter and casera cheese

Also perfect as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed on special occasions or to slowly appreciate its evolution in the glass.

Storage and aging: how to store Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 'Vino Sbagliato' 2022 - Dirupi

Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 'Vino Sbagliato' 2022 - Dirupi has great aging potential. It can evolve for more than ten years, refining its aromas and complexity. Store it in a cool, dark place with constant humidity, preferably between 12 and 16°C, keeping the bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist.

If well stored, this wine will offer different emotions over time: from the fruity and spicy tones of its youth, to the more evolved and earthy hints typical of great mountain Nebbiolos.