About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from terraced vineyards within the Valtellina Superiore DOCG production zone. The terraces face south and lie between 300 and 600 metres above sea level. Their stony soil, formed from ancient schist, is rich in sand and silt. The vines are trained using Guyot and the traditional Valtellina arched-cane system.
Grapes
Nebbiolo, locally known as Chiavennasca.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand between mid- and late October, then destemmed and crushed. Traditional red-wine vinification includes pump-overs and délestage, with fermentation at 25–28°C.
Ageing
The wine spends a long period in oak barrels. The gradual ingress of small quantities of oxygen encourages interaction between colour compounds and tannins, softening the palate and developing ripe red-fruit notes. This is followed by extended bottle ageing in the ancient cellars of the castle, which promotes the development of spicy and floral aromas under reductive conditions. Barrel and bottle maturation together last for at least 12 years.
Technical data
Alcohol: 13.5% vol. Contains sulphites. Recommended cellaring: 15–20 years.
Tasting profile
Garnet red with medium-intensity ruby reflections. Extended maturation brings aromas of damp rock, balsamic spices and woodland undergrowth. The palate is saline and mineral, with fine, taut tannins and a long, persistent aftertaste.
Serving and pairing
Pair with roasted red meats, lamb, kid, game and mature cheeses.
Vintage notes
The 2011 winter alternated between dry periods and intervals of limited rain and snowfall. A rainy spring was followed by a warm summer, particularly during the first half of July, while conditions remained variable until early September. Grape ripening ran approximately ten days ahead of the annual average, and the Nebbiolo was harvested in October.
Label / history
Castel Chiuro is conceived as a long-lived expression of Alpine Nebbiolo from Valtellina’s sunny terraces. Its maturation takes place in the cellars of the historic castle that serves as Nino Negri’s headquarters.
