Alfio Mozzi Riserva Grisone Faffella Valtellina Superiore DOCG Sassella Italy 2015

Located at the top of Italy’s “boot”, the Lombardia region is 850 miles north, just outside Milan. Close to the Swiss border, it is home to one of Italy’s most extreme grape-growing climates. Terraced hillsides that climb 2,500 ft in elevation over this 24-mile wide alpine valley are home to many incredible producers. The wines of Alfio Mozzi come from Valtellina Superiore Sassella, which is often described as the best of the four sub-regions under Valtellina Superiore DOCG. The region lies in the center of the area west of the city of Sondrio and its name can be traced back to the chapel in the area and the many stones (sassi) found in the vineyards. Here, Nebbiolo is king and must comprise at least 90% of all red wines produced from the region. 

Alfio Mozzi is the third generation to work his family’s schist terraces. He tends to his vines alongside his nephew, and because their vineyards are so steeply sloped, they have no option but to farm by hand without the aid of any mechanisms. It is labor-intensive and detailed work, but the memory of his grandfather, who put the vines in the ground in the early 1940s, motivates Alfio to continue his family legacy. 

The Riserva is produced only in the best vintages and has not been made since 2015! After careful harvesting by hand, fermentation took place in small stainless-steel containers. It went on to age for 28 months in French oak and then aged to perfection in bottle. It is a treat to offer a deep library as Nebbiolo is a varietal best enjoyed with a few years of aging. The bouquet is ethereal, with notes of vanilla, leather, and tobacco. The palate is dry and velvety with tannins that have softened with age. We thought this was the perfect red wine to celebrate the cold months ahead and would shine alongside braised meats, stews, or a hearty ragu.