Dirupi is an emerging winery in Valtellina, the little-known wine region in northern Lombardy that borders Switzerland and produces almost exclusively red wines. Davide Fasolini and Pierpaolo Di Franco, two winemakers in their 30s, released their first vintage in 2006. They now cultivate about 15 plots in the region and are recognized as some of the best nebbiolo producers in Valtellina. Their chiavennasca (the local name for nebbiolo) wines are regularly awarded three grapes by Gambero Rosso, the prestigious Italian wine guide.
Pierpaolo and Davide, two friends, moved to Ponte in Valtellina, near the town of Sondrio in 2003, with the crazy idea of founding their own winery: Dirupi. After studying oenology in Milan, they rented a few hectares of vineyards in order to get started. According to Davide, the Valtellina is still today a place of choice for young winemakers. Land is very affordable compared to other Italian wine regions, notably the neighboring Langhe, Barolo and Barbaresco. While it is relatively easy to find good vineyards, the work is far from being relaxing. The Valtellina is known for its terraced vineyards built by man over the past centuries, which make mechanization impossible. The work in the vineyard is therefore particularly arduous, especially since Dirupi is an estate that works its vines biodynamically. The wines are all made and aged in a magnificent cellar, whose building dates back to 1568.
The vineyard of Dirupi has an average age of about thirty years. It is mainly located in the areas of Grumello and Inferno, two sub-appellations of the Valtellina. The vineyards are south-facing and the altitude of the vineyard varies between 400 and 650 meters. Dirupi produces six different 100% nebbiolo wines. Dirupi has no shortage of ideas and projects. During a recent visit, Davide told me that the estate had recently acquired new land to cultivate an organic garden. Given the dynamism of Davide and Pierpaolo, there is no doubt that it will be a success!
To Plan a Visit:
Via San Carlo – Località Madonna di Campagna
23026 Ponte in Valtellina (SO)
Davide Fasolini +39 347 2909779
info@dirupi.com
www.dirupi.com
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