In the high Alps of northern Lombardy, Nebbiolo — known here as Chiavennasca — clings to vertiginous terraces on the steep, south-facing walls of the Adda valley. Valtellina makes a paler, higher-toned, more delicate Nebbiolo than Piedmont — all red cherry, rose and alpine herb, framed by fine tannin and mountain freshness.
The heroic, hand-worked terracing is among the most dramatic viticulture in Europe, and the appellation also makes Sforzato, a rich dried-grape version. It is Nebbiolo at altitude — the mountain expression of one of Italy's noblest grapes.