Valtellina Superiore DOCG Ar.Pe.Pe. Grumello Riserva Sant Antonio 2013

Nestling at an altitude of over 450 metres, Montagna in Valtellina’s church of Sant'Antonio watches over the unique vineyards of Valtellina. The Grumello vineyards are situated at the foot of the church, on a steep, rocky slope, encouraging the winemaker to cultivate each parcel exclusively by hand. As a result, the Nebbiolo grapes receive special care, with manual harvesting and destemming. In the cellar, the grapes undergo a 45-day-long maceration in whole clusters in large oak barrels. Following repeated pumping over to extract all the tannins from the marc, the wine develops and blossoms in large chestnut barrels for 60 months before resting in bottles for at least 36 further months. Intense and fragrant, the nose is characterised by notes of violets combined with hints of tobacco and balsamic. On the palate, the superb balance between powerful tannins and a hint of acidity leads to a long, delicious finish.