Winemaker Notes
"Sforzato" (Sfursat) is the most well-known and oldest of the Valtellina wines. The term Sforzato translates to "strained" and the method in which the grapes are forced through (s)forzatura delle uve to obtain greater concentration. Similar to Amarone, the Nebbiolo grapes are late-harvested in October and left to dry in boxes for two months - usually on the upper floors of the winery. The cool Alpine winds and the "La Breva" breezes from Lake Como aid in an even drying process. The "appassimento" method concentrates the sugars and results in a wine with more body and alcohol. The name “Infinito” evokes the potential of this wine and its incredible length, elegance and body.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of cedar wood, lemon leaves, red cherries and flowers. A restrained and reductive style. Sucrosity on the palate, with a medium body, crisp acidity and velvety tannins that turn quite thick and dusty in the finish. Drink or hold.
Responsible for some of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the world, Nebbiolo, named for the ubiquitous autumnal fog (called nebbia in Italian), is the star variety of northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Grown throughout the area, as well as in the neighboring Valle d’Aosta and Valtellina, it reaches its highest potential in the Piedmontese villages of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero. Outside of Italy, growers are still very much in the experimentation stage but some success has been achieved in parts of California. Somm Secret—If you’re new to Nebbiolo, start with a charming, wallet-friendly, early-drinking Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d'Alba.
Containing an exciting mix of wine producing subregions, Lombardy is Italy’s largest in size and population. Good quality Pinot noir, Bonarda and Barbera have elevated the reputation of the plains of Oltrepò Pavese. To its northeast in the Alps, Valtellina is the source of Italy’s best Nebbiolo wines outside of Piedmont. Often missed in the shadow of Prosecco, Franciacorta produces collectively Italy’s best Champagne style wines, and for the fun and less serious bubbly, find Lambrusco Mantovano around the city of Mantua. Lugana, a dry white with a devoted following, is produced to the southwest of Lake Garda.