Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Elite comes from Nebbiolo vines in Valtellina. The vines average approximately 70 years of age, are Guyot trained and grow at an average altitude of 650 metres. The sandy, silty vineyards are planted at 4,500 vines per hectare and yield about 6,500 kg per hectare. The must-to-fruit ratio is approximately 50%.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo. The grapes are harvested and selected by hand, then dried for three months in the manner used for Sforzato production.
Vinification
Vinification includes two days of cold maceration and five days of skin contact.
Ageing
Elite matures for 24 months in new French oak demi-barriques, described as caratelli on the wine page.
Technical data
Approximately 16.0% alcohol by volume, 36 g/l dry extract, 5.5 g/l total acidity and less than 1 g/l total sugar. Approximate production is 5,000 bottles. Technical figures may vary with the vintage.
Tasting profile
The aromatic profile ranges from caramel and chestnut to dried flowers and cocoa. The palate is full-bodied, harmonious and persistent. It can be enjoyed young, while further ageing makes the aromas warmer and more penetrating and the palate fuller and rounder.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 20–22 °C with meat dishes or generous cheese boards. The bottle format is 75 cl, and the stated cellaring potential is 20 years.
Label / history
Elite expresses Plozza's long association with Nebbiolo and Valtellina through an elaborate bottle and restrained presentation. Facets at the base of the bottle evoke sunlight reflected across the vineyards. The total-black label plays on black as both the sum of colours in four-colour printing and the absence of colour in the spectrum of light, simultaneously revealing and concealing the wine's character.
