
In this wine region, Nebbiolo is called Chiavennasca. As is often the case in Italy a local name is used for a widely grown variety. The telltale hint of tar and roses gives away the main ingredient. It offers complex aromas of sweet spices (licorice, cloves and cinnamon), stewed plums, prunes, and raisins. The classic Sforzato di Valtellina wine is full bodied, high in alcohol and rich in flavor.

This brings it very much in line with Veneto's famed Amarone della Valpolicella. but while most other passito styles are sweet, Sforzato is dry.


It is one of the country's many passito wines, made from partially dried grapes. Sforzato di Valtellina (or Sfursat di Valtellina) is a DOCG appellation for powerful red wine, based on the Nebbiolo grape variety, in Valtellina, ia district in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.
