Valtellina is a magical place. An alpine valley where some of the most appreciated red wines of Italy come from. Like this Valtellina Superiore Mazèr, produced by Nino Negri, a historic Valtellina company located in the province of Sondrio. The starting grapes are those of Nebbiolo, which here take the name of Chiavennasca. The grape harvest is carried out strictly by hand, since the vineyards, small terraced plots, are too small to be worked by mechanical means. After vinification, the wine undergoes a period of slow maturation in wood. We then wait no less than 36 months to move the wine, when ready, from French barriques to bottles. A wait that is amply repaid the moment you pour the first glass. Garnet red to the eye, this Valtellina Superiore has pleasantly spicy aromas with notes of cloves, licorice and chocolate. In the mouth it is dry and austere, pleasantly tannic and above all very persistent. A wine that should be paired with strong-flavoured dishes, perhaps game-based, or with mature cheeses. Maybe a sliver of Bitto, to taste a typical product from the same area.