I ran across a bottle of this in my wine cellar and don't recall when or how I acquired it. All I seem to come up with is that Valtellina comes from Lombardy and can be a long-lived wine. I've seen some references that it resembles a Barbaresco, but I'm not sure if it is made with Nebbiolo or not.

The producer is S. Carlo.

I'd appreciate if anyone can provide info about its taste profile and drinking period.

Anyone?

Valtellina is mostly Nebbiolo, and must contain a minimum of 80% in the bottle. Some producers blend other varietals into the wine, while some leave it all Nebbiolo.

Unfortunately I can't help with the producer, as I don't drink much Valtellina.

quote:

Originally posted by on the wine:
I ran across a bottle of this in my wine cellar and don't recall when or how I acquired it. All I seem to come up with is that Valtellina comes from Lombardy and can be a long-lived wine. I've seen some references that it resembles a Barbaresco, but I'm not sure if it is made with Nebbiolo or not.

The producer is S. Carlo.

I'd appreciate if anyone can provide info about its taste profile and drinking period.

As a general rule Valtellina will drink younger than Barbaresco's of the same vintage unless they are Sfurzato(a passito version of Valtellina think Amarone meets Nebbiolo). I would say pull the cork on the 85 riserva if it is an outstanding example it may have some life but is likely played out.

quote:

Originally posted by dan5164:
As a general rule Valtellina will drink younger than Barbaresco's of the same vintage unless they are Sfurzato(a passito version of Valtellina think Amarone meets Nebbiolo). I would say pull the cork on the 85 riserva if it is an outstanding example it may have some life but is likely played out.

I was afraid of that. I'll have a backup bottle at hand when I pull the cork.

Thanks...

The Sequel...

I pulled the cork on this wine on the weekend without much expectation of finding any life left. I was pleased to find that it was indeed alive.

The cork was in surprisingly good shape - not at all dried out and only stained about 1/4 inch up the inside end. The colour was a very light red with no evident bricking at the rim.

The aroma was flowery, with violets particularly noticeable. The taste profile included strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries. Very little tannin was evident. The texture was thin and there was an alcoholic background flavour surrounding the fruit.

I'd rate it no better than 84, mainly due to the lack of body and the alcoholic taste.

There was a small enough left in the bottle overnight. I tasted it the next morning, it was decidedly dead.