2018 Dirupi - Valtellina Superiore DOC

The 2018 Dirupi Valtellina Superiore DOC delivers the polished structure and aromatic precision that define Valtellina’s high-altitude Nebbiolo. Cultivated on the steep, sun-drenched limestone and schist terraces of Lombardy’s far northeastern border, this vintage captures the crisp acidity and refined tannic framework characteristic of the appellation. The 2018 growing season provided consistent warmth and steady rainfall, allowing the local Chiavennasca grapes to reach full phenolic maturity while preserving their signature fresh red fruit profile.

Tasting notes reveal a layered nose of wild strawberry, sour cherry, and dried lavender, accented by touches of black pepper, violet, and wet stone. The palate follows with seamless elegance: soft, velvety tannins wrap around a core of bright plum and cedar, leading to a saline, minerally finish that lingers. Light aeration enhances the floral lift and reveals subtle hints of leather and tobacco, making each glass increasingly complex as it sits.

This wine bridges traditional Italian winemaking with modern clarity, offering both immediate approachability and steady aging trajectory. Serve it alongside slow-cooked game stews, wild boar ragù, or truffle-infused risotto to complement its earthy depth. Aged mountain cheeses, such as Formai de Mut or Ossolanino, stand up well to its structural backbone. For optimal expression, decant for twenty to thirty minutes before serving at sixty-two to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Properly stored in a cool cellar, the 2018 Dirupi will continue to evolve gracefully through the mid-2020s.