Rainoldi, Sforzato di Valtellina, Fruttaio Ca'Rizzieri

Visiting Aldo Rainoldi in Valtellina, wine 8/8. Made from partially dried single varietal of Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo), located at altitude of 400 to 650 meters. Aged for 18 months in used oak, 2 months in stainless steel and 12 months in bottle. Pale+ ruby colour. Medium+ intensity aroma of cherries, herbs, liquorice, leather, hints of chocolate and tobacco. Full body, flavours of kirsch, chocolate, plum liquor, smoky hints, firm finely grained tannins, lengthy liquorish and plummy finish.

Raisin fruit on the nose. And earth. Rich on the palate with a bit clear of fruit focused. More elegant than I thought it would be.

Surprising color given the 14.5 abv. Complex nose...blackberry, black cherry, marzipan, currant and ripe pear. You can taste the minerals that give a nice counterweight to the burst of sweet, fruity flavor and tannins. Delicate but lingering finish. Very different from a Nebbiolo you'll get in Piedmont.