What kind of wine is Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 'Vigna Gess' 2019 - Dirupi?

The Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 'Vigna Gess' 2019 - Dirupi is an elegant and authentic mountain red wine, a true expression of Alpine Nebbiolo (locally known as Chiavennasca). It comes from a single vineyard, "Vigna Gess," located in the heart of the Grumello cru, one of the most renowned subzones of Valtellina, in the province of Sondrio. This wine stands out for its fine and harmonious structure, supported by precise tannins and lively freshness. The result is a medium-bodied red, deep yet graceful, that faithfully tells the story of its territory.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage in Valtellina is considered one of the best in recent years. The balanced climate, with warm but breezy summers and a dry autumn, favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The harvest took place manually in early October, selecting healthy and perfectly ripe bunches, a fundamental element for obtaining a Nebbiolo of great finesse and balance.

Vinification and Aging

The grapes are destemmed and subjected to a maceration (contact between skins and must) of about 20 days, followed by spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Aging continues for about 12 months in oak barrels of various sizes, followed by a period of rest in the bottle before release. This process allows the wine to develop complexity without losing the typical freshness of the alpine territory.

Tasting Notes

Color

It presents a luminous ruby red color, with garnet reflections, typical of pure Nebbiolo.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses an elegant and refined profile: notes of small red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, intertwine with hints of dried rose, mountain herbs, and a light spiciness derived from the wood, perfectly integrated.

Palate

On the palate, the Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 'Vigna Gess' 2019 - Dirupi is balanced and refined, with silky but present tannins. The mineral freshness, a stylistic hallmark of Dirupi wines, accompanies a long and persistent finish, where red fruit and a pleasant sensation of aromatic herbs return.

Food Pairings for Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 'Vigna Gess' 2019 - Dirupi

This wine is suitable for many pairings thanks to its elegance and balanced structure. Perfect with:

• traditional Valtellina dishes, such as pizzoccheri and braised meats;
• grilled or roasted red meats;
• medium-aged cheeses;
• mushroom or light game dishes.

It is also excellent with more refined dishes, such as porcini mushroom risotto or fillet with green peppercorns, where the wine can interact with the flavors without ever overpowering them.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 'Vigna Gess' 2019 - Dirupi

To best preserve its characteristics, the Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 'Vigna Gess' 2019 - Dirupi should be stored horizontally, in a dark environment with a constant temperature around 12-14°C. Thanks to its structure and lively acidity, it can evolve positively for several years in the bottle. The ideal drinking period is 5 to 10 years from the vintage, during which it will develop further nuances of complexity and aromatic depth, typical of great mountain Nebbiolos.