The colour is deep garnet. The nose is dominated by mushrooms, accompanied by dried fruits and some liquorice. In the mouth good acidity and well integrated tannins. The aftertaste is very long and savoury.
Sfursat 5 Stelle is produced by Nino Negri and is the most prestigious wine of Valtellina, a district in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is produced under the Sforzato (or Sfursat) di Valtellina DOCG appellation. It is based on the Nebbiolo grape variety, which in this wine region is called Chiavennasca, but up to 10% of other grapes can also be used.
The term Sforzato (or Sfursat) is derived from the traditional method of “forcing” the grapes by drying them to obtain higher alcohol and greater sugar concentration. A process very much in line with the one used in Veneto to make the famous Amarone della Valpolicella.
I bought this bottle a few years ago directly at the Nino Negri winery in Chiuro for 50 EUR. It was part of the collection I created for my son, who was born in 2009. The original idea was to drink them for his 20 years birthday. Although he is now only 11 years old, I decided to start uncorking some bottles. I realised that by the time he will be able to enjoy them, they may not be enjoyable anymore. In the next years I will drink some and keep only the bottles that have a good chance of aging well. For sure some vintage Porto, some sweet Sautern wines, including a Chateau d’Yquem, and some red Bordeaux.
Country: Italy
Region: Valtellina
Grapes: Chiavennasca/Nebbiolo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2009
Producer: Nino Negri
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5