Vivo Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 2022 - Plozza x 6

The Energy of Dried Nebbiolo in High Altitudes: The Philosophy of Plozza Vivo Cuvée

The Plozza Vivo Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 2022 stands within the premium alpine winemaking landscape as an interpretation of extraordinary dynamism, noble rigor, and sharp expressive class. This historic Retiche winery conceived the "Vivo" label with the precise intent to demonstrate that the traditional and proud practice of Sfursat can generate a liquid that is not only opulent but enlivened by a vibrant responsiveness and sharp mineral freshness. The agronomic project merges the fleshy richness induced by the partial natural drying of the clusters with the solid, cutting austerity of the Valtellina bedrock. Vivo commands attention in the glass as a monumental still red wine, explicitly built to combine an imposing structure with a fluid and beautifully balanced mouthfeel.

Hillside Agronomic Notes and Partial Drying Cellar Protocol

The clusters of Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) originate from vine rows grown on steep stone-walled terraces characterized by loose soils with a strong sandy and granitic matrix rich in stone fragments. An early manual harvest strictly selects the finest and loosest clusters, which are then laid out in boxes within ventilated drying rooms for approximately three months. During this slow rest, the berry loses around 40% of its weight, concentrating extracts and stable aromatic precursors. The climate trend of the 2022 vintage favored a perfect acid-alcohol balance. In the cellar, protective vinification develops in temperature-controlled vats with extended maceration, followed by a calibrated aging path in oak casks precisely designed to polish the matrix of tannins, safeguarding an alcohol content of 15.00% Vol.

Sensory Profile and Organoleptic Assessment

A great still red made from dried grapes that expresses the profound viticultural vocation of the Alps, ideal for those seeking excellence among Lombardy's red wines.

• Blend and Classification: 100% Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) / Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG / Still red wine from dried grapes.
• Analytical Data (2022 Vintage): Alcohol Content: 15.00% Vol. / Natural drying in rooms / Maturation in oak casks / Volume: 750 ml.
• Visual Assessment: Deep ruby red color of outstanding luminosity in the glass, enriched by vivid, brilliant garnet highlights upon swirling, demonstrating a dense chromatic weave and extractive viscosity.
• Olfactory Framework: Broad, clean, and markedly deep bouquet. A refined profile emerges on the nose, dominated by consistent scents of ripe red fruit, dark wild cherry in alcohol, blackberry, and prune, perfectly integrated with intense medicinal fragrances, notes of sweet spices, dark leather, tobacco, hints of cocoa, and a deep graphite mineral trace.
• Palate Characteristics: The tasting reveals a dry, warm profile endowed with an enveloping mouthfeel. The progression displays a robust, full, and well-structured body where the vibrant acidic backbone masterfully balances the exuberant alcohol warmth and adds dynamism to the pour. The tannic texture is fine, silky, and perfectly polished, guiding development toward a long, savory finish of extraordinary persistence.

Service Advice and Gastronomic Pairings

The thickness of the structural architecture, balanced tannins, and aromatic richness of this Sforzato Vivo qualify it as an ideal companion for fine dining and flavor-rich structured land-based cuisine.

• Stable Pairings: It pairs magnificently alongside second courses based on prominent baked red meats, complex roasts, rich stews, slow-cooked braised dishes, and complex preparations featuring furred or feathered game. It excels paired alongside structured first courses featuring rich meat sauces, wild mushroom risottos, and traditional regional recipes like local Valtellina pizzoccheri rich in melted butter. It displays fine synergy when paired alongside flavorful aged charcuterie and selections of long-aged alpine hard cheeses such as historical Bitto or Valtellina Casera.
• Serving Method: To promote the development of the rich tertiary profile and ensure proper tannin integration, opening the bottle and decanting it in advance is recommended, using a wide tasting glass and a serving temperature of 16 - 18°C.