Valtellina Superiore DOCG

Valtellina valley extends in east-west direction within a entirely mountainous territory. It is surrounded to the north be the Rhaetian Alps, with peaks over 4.000 m, and to the south by the less impressive Orobic Alps.

Viticulture is developed on the north side of the valley, the one completely exposed to the sun, between 300 and 700 m of altitude. Due to the steep slopes, most of the vineyards are arranged on artificial terraces, in some cases so difficult to reach that they have to use a rail system during harvest. Despite its impervious and not very functional appearance, this territorial structure strongly characterizes the grapes because the various terraces, made of stones, guarantee on average an higher temperature of 4°C (7°F) compared to the one in the valley and a considerable thermic excursion between day and night between 10 and 20°C (18 and 36°F).

The land, mainly consisting of flaked granite rocks, has a very high permeability. The lack of water retention, which in some periods of the year causes drought, also forces the vines to develop very deep roots to absorb the necessary water. These conditions make possible to produce high quality wines with high sugar content and, consequently, high alcohol content.