DIRUPI ROSSO DI VALTELLINA OLE 2020

Style: Savoury & Detailed

Dirupi is the brainchild of Davide Fasolini and Pierpaolo Di Franco; two of the most talented young winemakers in Italy today. Located in the Lombardy region of Valtellina - a sub-Alpine zone just south of the Swiss border - Dirupi farm a staggering 17 tiny terraced vineyards; all at different elevations, aspects and varying vine age. The main game here is Valtellina Superiore and further to that the nebbiolo grape that makes it tick! In Valtellina, the wines hold the same aromatic and colour profiles but the texture is pliant and the wines hold less tannic punch than one would expect from young Barolo. Because of this and the renovation of these amazing old sites by talented producers like Dirupi the wines of Valtellina have become highly sought after in Italian wine circles (most notably with young Barolo producers) and the word is spreading.

One of the better versions of this wine I've seen. Bruised strawberry, crushed rose petals, mountain herbs and a consistent backbeat of liquorice and menthol waft out of the glass. Just bang on for the variety from this part of the world. That same band of brothers weave their way through the palate, carried along within a medium weight, sweet texture before powdery tannins carry the whole package to a satisfying end. It's just lovely Valtellina and a great intro to the Dirupi style and, to the regions nebbiolo in general. MICHAEL MCNAMARA

Region: Valtellina, ITALY

Variety: Nebbiolo

13% abv