Conti Sertoli Salis Sassella 2013

Drink now through to 2022. No need to decant before serving.

This charming single varietal Nebbiolo takes its name from the Valtellina valley’s signature terroir, iron-rich red rocks which give a distinctive flavour profiles to the region’s elegant red wines. Little-known outside of Italy, the Valtellina in northern Lombardy has a reputation for heroic viticulture thanks to the steep mountainside vineyards which require back-breaking manual labour.

The plots where the grapes for the Conti Sertoli Salis Sassella are grown are some of the most vertiginous in Valtellina and the vines are rooted directly into the tough rocky soils. These harsh conditions help to produce a wonderfully concentrated and intensely aromatic wine with firm tannins carefully balanced by fresh acidity.

To complement and enhance the exceptional character of the grapes the Salis family age the wine in oak barrels for a total of 24 months following fermentation. The result is a rich ruby red hued wine with enticing aromas of dried fruit, violets and dark berries. On the palate there is a generous full body, subtle acidity, and plenty of tannins which will help the wine to age and develop well over the next few years. If you do decide to drink it now, try pairing with hearty meat dishes like beef bourguignon or a prime steak to soften the structure and tannins.