Sassella is the most rugged, stone‑kissed terrain in all of Valtellina, its name coming from sasso, meaning “rock”. Nutrient-poor and extremely free‑draining, this craggy landscape forces Nebbiolo vines to work harder, concentrating flavour and giving the wines their distinctive mineral edge. The south‑facing aspect also sets the area apart, catching sunlight all day long and ensuring the wines, while firm, are never hard. Meanwhile, the Breva wind rises through the valley each afternoon, encouraging slow, even ripening.

The two ends of Sassella also have their own microclimates, and this is a blend of the first, closer to the Adda Valley, and the second, which extends eastwards and is influenced by fresh alpine breezes. Most of Nino Negri’s Nebbiolo comes from the first area, which produces grapes with thin skins, refined aromas and naturally soft, velvety tannins. .

2021

It has a bouquet of raspberry jam, wild rose and ripe black cherry. The palate is elegant, full and well‑structured, with alluring notes of prunes and spice leading into a long, persistent finish