2018 Nino Negri 'Vigna Francia', Valtellina Superiore Valgella DOCG

Perhaps it's easy to overlook the Valtellina region tucked high in the Alps of Lombardia due to the heavy focus of Nebbiolo grown in neighboring Piemonte. However, that quintessential northern Italian grape, here known instead as Chiavennasca, has roots going back over one thousand years. Wines made at Nino Negri have made phenomenal contributions to lift his region to the pantheon of not just Nebbiolo-based denominations but Italian denominations as a whole. Somewhat unique to the region is the allowance of blending up to ten percent international varietals suitable for viticulture in the region.