Produced only in the best vintages, Cinque Stella is Nino Negri’s flagship wine. A Nebbiolo styled as an Amarone, this is meticulously harvested across the DOCG area into 4kg crates, then placed in a drying loft for natural drying. The fruit loses about 30% of its weight before pressing in early December. This loss of juice combined with an only 25% harvest rate on the vineyards for this wine make this a very limited release. Traditional winemaking precedes 16 months in oak, then several more months in bottle before release.
An excellent vintage, the 2021 has provided balanced alcohol and acidity, and a solid polyphenolic structure, aligning closely with classic Valtellina Sfursat style. An intense garnet colour, it offers aromas of wet stone, undergrowth, ripe black plum and balsamic notes. On the palate it delivers juicy, crisp fruit and features rich, yet compact tannins supported by bright acidity. The wine finishes long and savoury, with the structure and freshness to age up to 25 years.
2022
“The Nino Negri 2019 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Vigna Fracia shows a bright ruby red colour, and although the bouquet is not as expressive as some of its peers, it opens slowly with notes of cassis, dried orange peel and sweet nectarine. The bouquet is characterised by red berries, fruit and a hint of wild roses and mountain flowers. It is delicate and light in texture. This wine is packaged in a bottle with a greenish-grey label that reflects the slate soils of Valgella. Give it a little more time in the bottle.” 93 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Firm and chewy, this compact red opens in the glass, offering a tarry undertow, with flavors of baked cherry, medicinal herbs and white pepper, plus a touch of black licorice. Long and minerally on the finish.” 93 points, Wine Spectator
97 points, Doctor Wine
Tre Bicchieri, Gambero Rosso
Gold, Merano Wine Festival 2026
2021
“Gently shimmering light ruby with a garnet-red rim. Spicy, inviting bouquet of stewed cherries, wild berry confit and juniper, with a touch of clove. Silky palate, then firm tannins, fresh and with precise fruit, young but with great ageing potential.” 93 points, Falstaff
“Cola, cherry jelly and blueberries. Medium body with refreshing, integrated acidity and ripe, velvety, relaxing tannins. Good laurel finish.” 93 points, James Suckling
