Terrazzi Alti Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva DOCG is a more concentrated, age-worthy expression of Valtellina’s alpine Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca). Compared to a regular Sassella, it typically offers more depth, firmer structure, and a longer finish, while remaining elegant and lifted—finesse over weight.
The producer – Terrazzi Alti
Terrazzi Alti is a tiny, family-run estate in Valtellina, founded in 2005 by Siro Buzzetti. He did not come from a traditional winemaking family, starting the project from very small parcels in Sassella and gradually building it into a focused estate. Today he works alongside his son, Francesco. The vineyards sit on steep, hand-tended terraces in Sassella—classic “heroic” mountain viticulture—at around 420–600 metres above sea level, with southern exposure and lean, stony soils that help deliver tension and mineral precision.
Flavour profile
Expect red berries (cherry, raspberry), dried flowers (rose/violet), herbs, and a clear stony minerality. With air, layers of tea, liquorice, spice, and a gentle earthy edge often emerge. On the palate it’s dry and precise, with bright acidity, tighter tannins, and a subtly saline/mineral finish—highly food-friendly.
Serving tip: 16–18 °C, slightly cool at first. Give it 45–90 minutes of air in a decanter or large glass.
Food pairing: mushrooms (risotto/pasta), slow-cooked veal or lamb, duck breast, rosemary/thyme-led dishes, polenta, and aged hard cheeses.
