Mamete Prevostini Sassella Valtellina Superiore 2014

Description

Spectacular /breathtaking scenery and vineyards clinging to mountains at altitudes up to 1000 metres, the Prevostini family (planted vines 70yrs ago) has risen swiftly since winemaker Mamete took over in 1988 to become a leading winery in the alpine region of Valtellina ( 100 kms from Milano in Lombardia close to the swiss border). The Ligurians (contemporaries of the Etruscans) terraced hillsides and planted vines in the region.  According to Gambero Rosso, “Mamete Prevostini has a knack of interpreting the trends that are constantly sweeping through the wine world. It enables him to see the way forward, for example by eliminating some excesses in the cellar such as the muscular wines so much in vogue a few years ago.” We love Prevostini wines for their elegance with gorgeous perfumed aromatics, refined delicious flavour on the palate and superb balance. Most of their wines are made from the noble Nebbiolo grape, called Chiavennasca in Valtellina and Mamete Prevostini wines in Valtellina with nebbiolo rival the expressions in Barolo and Barbaresco regions of Piemonte.  Their flagship wine Albareda Sforzato has won numerous tre bichierri awards in Gambero Rosso, Italy’s wine bible.

Sassella is a classified site within the Valtellina region, known for producing wines of greater concentration and depth. 100% Nebbiolo but known locally as Chiavennasca. However, unlike the Piemontese counterparts, Nebbiolo from this mountainous area is delicate and perfumed – less tannic, and with glacial purity.  This wine is matured for 12 months in oak, softening the strong structure and adding a subtle spice tone.

Mameti Prevostini inherited this winery from his grandfather, and spent several years experimenting with winemaking techniques before he was satisfied with the result. Wines were not commercially released from this estate until 1995, despite a history of winemaking dating back 70 years, he has gradually grown a reputation not only for his own wines but within the Valtellina region in general.  This wine has been made from grapes harvested from several vineyards within the hills around the area of Sondrio has low fertility and it is rocky and glacial.

I have tasted this alongside many Piedmont’s nebbiolos and loved its vibrancy, round fruit, focus and presence on the palate. Delicious vino!
RRP $62  *6 PACK BUY … $54.99