Dirupi Valtellina Superiore 2016
Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Focused on sustainability and organic practices, they work to maintain these practices as much as possible in the vineyard however this isn’t always possible due to the nature of the climate and difficulties inherent in such challenging conditions and locations. The determination and drive of the Dirupi estate has stirred up other local wine makers to reconsider their methods and practices, offering a fresher face for Valtellina and Nebbiolo from the Alps.
Davide and Pierpalo craft wines of mesmerizing character and complexity at all levels – Valtellina Superiore, Valtellina Superiore Riserva, Sforzato and an entry-level Rosso di Valtellina named ‘Ole’ all of which speak volumes of their land and quest for excellence.
Containing an exciting mix of wine producing subregions, Lombardy is Italy’s largest in size and population. Good quality Pinot noir, Bonarda and Barbera have elevated the reputation of the plains of Oltrepò Pavese. To its northeast in the Alps, Valtellina is the source of Italy’s best Nebbiolo wines outside of Piedmont. Often missed in the shadow of Prosecco, Franciacorta produces collectively Italy’s best Champagne style wines, and for the fun and less serious bubbly, find Lambrusco Mantovano around the city of Mantua. Lugana, a dry white with a devoted following, is produced to the southwest of Lake Garda.
Responsible for some of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the world, Nebbiolo, named for the ubiquitous autumnal fog (called nebbia in Italian), is the star variety of northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Grown throughout the area, as well as in the neighboring Valle d’Aosta and Valtellina, it reaches its highest potential in the Piedmontese villages of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero. Outside of Italy, growers are still very much in the experimentation stage but some success has been achieved in parts of California. Somm Secret—If you’re new to Nebbiolo, start with a charming, wallet-friendly, early-drinking Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d'Alba.