Sforzato di Valtellina Sfursat Carlo Negri is one of the jewels in the crown of the Nino Negri winery in Sondrio. Like all the red wines produced in this fortunate corner of Italy, Carlo Negri is the result of the skilful processing of pure Nebbiolo grapes, locally called Chiavennasca. Compared to simpler wines, this Sforzato is the result of a harvest that lasts several weeks. The best-exposed vineyards are passed over and over several times in order to pick only the best bunches, those that have reached an ideal level of ripeness. This wine can be said to be produced thanks to the natural drying of the grapes, favoured by the cool, dry Alpine winds. Obviously, this extra effort pays off when the wine is poured into the glass. Observing the glass reveals a wine characterised by a beautiful intense garnet red colour, rich and concentrated. The nose reveals a particularly complex bouquet, with hints of spices, such as cloves, cinnamon and pepper, which envelop and complement a base of black fruit, such as plums, blackberries and raspberries, now transformed into jam. In the mouth, however, it is a dry, dry and austere wine. Long, if not very long, on the finish, with notes of toasted hazelnuts, tobacco and liquorice. It is difficult to find the right match for such an important wine. Roast meats and mature cheeses are perfect. But one does not regret sipping it slowly, after dinner, on its own or with a sliver of bitter chocolate.