2015 Caven "Le Coppelle” Valtellina Superiore DOCG

100% Nebbiolo, locally known as Chiavennasca, from mostly 60 year old vines from steep. terraced-vineyards on the north side of the valley, facing south (to receive maximum sunlight). All harvesting is done by hand using small baskets. This is called Heroic Winemaking as it is extremely laborious and time-consuming. The wine is vinified in steel tanks and aged for 12 months in big and medium-sized (mostly used) oak barrels. It is characterized by perfumes and flavors of flowers, violets, delicate spices, and red fruits and by an elegant, yet firm texture, with a fresh and persistent taste. Sassella is one of five viticultural sub-zones specifically identified as producing Valtellina wines of particularly high quality. Sassella is considered to be the finest of these, and the pinnacle of the Valtellina viticultural zone. This has sweet, soft tannins, tarry earth, leather, tobacco, strawberry, ripe raspberry, flowers, hints of spice and dark cocoa. A bit earthier and less ripe than the Inferno, this is a gorgeous version of Nebbiolo!