'Rino Valtellina Superiore'

Nebbiolo, Valtellina, Italy 

A brand new to Ontario, compelling, mineral and concise, full-bodied alpine treat. Winemaker Lorenzo Mazzucconi organically farms three high altitude acres in the famed Valtellina area of Lombardy, producing nebbiolo from dangerously steep and narrow terraces. FUN FACT! His nearly 100 bee hives range the Alpine slopes from 1800 feet all the way up to 4500 feet, and he actually produces more honey than wine!! Planted around 1950-1960, the vines sit on ‘megaschisti’ soils with a high percentage of sand, meaning real good drainage, which gives us heightened and tightened aromatics. Macerated for a 25 day tannin extravaganza, ‘Rino’ spends 12 months in neutral wood amping up, six in bottle simmering down, and is showing cheeky fruits wrapped in a tannic harness, taking us for a walk. Graphite gusts, strawberry balsamic, roses in bloom, repurposed saddle leather, tobacco leaf & big, grasping tannins. Try with the newest thing in the world of grilled cheese.