Described by Gambero Rosso as “a reference point for Valtellina”, Nino Negri is based in Chiuro, to the east of Lake Como in sub-alpine Lombardy. Since 1897, the mission has always been to make Nebbiolo (known locally as Chiavennasca) that leans into the realities of mountain viticulture rather than copying nearby Piedmont. This ethos has been shaped around the south-facing, terraced amphitheatres of Valtellina, framed by the Lombardy alps and bathed in sunshine. The winery is nestled in the fortified 15th century Castello Quadrio in Chiuro, with underground corridors and barrel cellars forming a tangible link between local history and maturation.

Nino Negri’s 33 hectare estate spans over 300 metres of altitude straight up to a lofty 600m above sea level, over shallow soils filled with large stones similar to Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape’s galets roulés. The vineyards are steep and contained by ancient drystone walls, resulting in a regional vine training system called Archetto alla Valtellinese, where a single cane is arched and tied to a stake to improve airflow and ripening on rocky slopes. The land is extreme to say the least, so manual, high-effort farming is part of the region’s identity, and in the case of the Inferno Vineyard, requiring helicopters for harvest!

Altitude, aspect, climate and the peculiarities of site contribute to a completely different style of Nebbiolo, with freshness and sun-warmed complexity meeting stony precision and mineral drive. Experts in combining tradition and innovation, the team at Nino Negri produce a diverse array of the grape from their estate and 125 ha of managed vineyards across the various subregions and Crus of Valtellina. This ranges from juicy early-drinking pan-regional expressions through to pure and precise cru Nebbiolo, and the blockbuster Sfursat 5 Stelle, which is made in the appassimento style.

For more information please visit ninonegri.it