Radìs, ‘Murachi’ Rosso di Valtellina 2022

The Radìs ‘Li Muràchi’ Rosso di Valtellina DOC 2022 is a compelling, site-specific showcase of mountain Nebbiolo (locally called Chiavennasca) crafted by a young estate founded in 2020 by brothers-in-law Alessandro and Stefano Di Bana. Operating out of Tirano in Lombardy's far north, Radìs focuses on heroic, sustainable viticulture, painstakingly reclaiming abandoned, high-altitude stone terraces in the Baruffini zone. Sourced from these ancient, manually-farmed plots sitting between 630 and 700 meters above sea level, this 2022 vintage encapsulates the luminous, high-acid profile typical of the region's well-drained, acidic granite and sand soils. While the entry-level Rosso di Valtellina DOC regulations require a minimum of only six months of aging, the meticulous vineyard management and small-scale production yield a wine of unexpected depth and structural integrity. Historically, Valtellina's winemaking heritage spans over two millennia, predating the Romans and uniquely characterized by its south-facing, amphitheater-like terraced slopes. The Rosso di Valtellina DOC—initially established in 1968—serves as the immediate, fresh counterpoint to the long-aged Valtellina Superiore DOCG and the passito-style Sforzato DOCG. In the glass, this 2022 expression delivers a distinctly Alpine take on the grape, eschewing the heavy, tarry bass notes of Langhe Nebbiolo in favor of high-toned, translucent energy. Expect an aromatic, high-definition bouquet of wild strawberries, sour cherries, and fresh violets interwoven with a precise, chalky minerality. On the palate, its lean-to-medium frame is driven by a piercing, refreshing acidity and fine-grained, youthful tannins that make it incredibly vibrant, food-friendly, and expressive of its extreme glacial terroir.