2018 Nino Negri 'Vigna Fracia' Valgella Valtellina Superiore DOCG
Producer: Nino Negri
Region: Valgella, Lombardia
Country: Italy
Grapes: 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo)
Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14%
Vivino: 4.1
Drink By: 2035
Occasional Wine Note: Barolo and Barbaresco are not the only wine regions to produce Nebbiolos. Here we have an excellent representation of the Nebbiolos produced in the northern Lombardy region of Italy, where they refer to Nebbiolo as Chiavennasca. This version is not a Barolo though. Instead of roses, cherries, and tar, we have strawberries, oranges, flowers, and earth. The tannins are definitely present and there is some good acidity, but this is also very approachable right now (unlike Barolos that require at least a decade to open up). Again, this is an excellent representation of the excellent wines you'll find in the Valtellina wine region of Italy.
Raffaele Vecchione
Critic Score: 94
Ripe and fascinating, it shows notes of strawberries, red plums, cassis, and pomegranate. Lots of tangerine juice dominates the secondary scene. Full body, very soft and well integrated tannins and a finish of commendable beauty and notable persistence. Drink now or age.
James Suckling
Critic Score: 94
Fresh flower, strawberry and mushroom aromas follow through to a medium body, with round tannins and tangy acidity. Candied oranges to the plummy fruit. Drinkable now, but even better in a year or two.