'5 Stelle' Sfursat di Valtellina DOCG 2015

Nino Negri


Produced only in the best years, Nino Negri’s flagship wine 5 Stelle Sfursat di Valtellina is made from the regions finest selections of Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo).

Terroir: Sfursat “5 Stelle” is sourced from estate vineyards in the higher elevations of the Inferno, Grumello and Valgella sub-zones sitting on southeast exposures at elevations over 1200 feet. Vines are densely planted and tended using the archetto variation of the Guyot system, which further limits yields.

Vinification: Nino Negri limits harvest to only 25% of the total crop thus ensuring that only the highest quality fruit makes its way to the winery. Upon arrival the sorted bunches are placed into wooden crates where they will sit until the new year when they are naturally dry. The juice is macerated and fermented in stainless steel prior to aging over a period of 18-24 months in Allier oak. 33,000 bottles produced.

Additional Information

With a garnet-brick color; the wine shows complex aromas of cloves, cinnamon and pepper with plum jam, raisins and tar notes. On the palate, the wine has a dry, warm, full-bodied character, austere from its prominent acidity yet harmonious, with an elegant finish, and roasted hazelnut and licorice traces.

Technical Details

  • Appellation: Sfrusat della Valtellina DOCG
  • Winemaker: Casimiro Maule
  • Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
  • Soil: Sand, Gravel
  • Alcohol: 16%
  • Avg Production: 30,000 bottles
  • Pack Size: 6/750ml
  • Varietals: 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo)

Recent Press

  • Score: 88 Points

    Vinous Author: Antonio Galloni
    Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020
    "The 2015 Sfursat 5 Stelle is overripe and roasted in feel, with hard tannins that are problematic. Worn-in leather, smoke, licorice, tar, tobacco and dried fruits all give an impression of a wine that is going to mature early, and without ever coming into balance. The tannins are just too much."
  • Forbes Author: Aly Walansky
    Date: Monday, May 20, 2019
    Father's Day Gift Guide: Hearty Red Wines -- "Celebrate your dad with one of the most celebrated wines of Italy. The "5 Stelle" (Nebbiolo) Sfursat di Valtellina is crafted from famed Nebbiolo grapes, giving it a bold full-bodied flavor with an elegant finish and roasted hazelnut and licorice traces."
  • Forbes Author: Tom Hyland
    Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019
    "Over the past 20 years, this has become not only one of the greatest wines of Valtellina, but also one of the most celebrated red wines in all of Italy. Aromas of red cherry, thyme and a hint of sage. Excellent concentration, rich mid-palate, lovely Nebbiolo character. Beautiful harmony and outstanding persistence. This does not have as much of an oak-driven feel as in past vintages (only 30% new oak is used in the aging). Marvelous expression of terroir as well as the appassimento technique - this is clean and well balanced, without the residual sugar notes found in some wines made in this fashion. Peak in 12-15 years - perhaps longer (16% alcohol)."
    Grade: Superb
  • Gambero Rosso Date: Monday, December 31, 2018
    Grade: Tre Biccheri / 3 Glasses
  • Score: 94 Points

    Wine Spectator Author: Alison Napjus
    Date: Friday, November 30, 2018
    "Rich and juicy, this medium- to full-bodied red offers plush tannins and a creamy palate of sun-dried cherry and smoky mineral flavors, with hints of bergamot, licorice and espresso. Long and supple on the finish, echoing an aromatic note of cured tobacco. Drink now through 2030."

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