Valtellina Superiore 2001 & 2007

Balgera Valtellina Superiore Valgella 2001 and Balgera Valtellina Superiore Inferno 2007.
We ordered them at the last month's tasting, and they finally arrived!

Valtellina Superiore DOCG is from Valtellina, Lombardy, Italy, near the border with Switzerland.
It 's surrounded by mountains on both northern and southern sides, and these mountains protect this area from cold northern winds and hot summer air.
Vines are planted on the steep hill along the Adda river. The hill is so steep that grapes are cultivated and harvested mostly by hands.
There are 5 sub-zones: Maroggia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, and Valgella, from west to east.
Sassella enjoys the most sun light and is considered to be the best area, and Inferno is said to be called so because it's the hottest among the 5 zones.

Minimum alcohol level is 12.0%.
Aging requirement is minimum  2 years, including 12 months in barrel.
Permitted grape used is at least 90% Nebbiolo.

2001 Valgella is so soft and I'll have it with stewed meat on cold winter night...