Sforzato

Refers to a passito style wine made in a similar way to Amarone, using Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) in the Valtellina region in Lomabardy. 

Chief Wine Hacker

« Back to Wine Words Index

In music Sforzato means strained. In wine it translates to forced. In this case it refers to a passito style wine made in a similar way to Amarone, using Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) in the Valtellina region in Lomabardy.

The grapes are picked, laid out on dry racks and left to slowly degydrate, losing as much as 40% of their weight, concentrating the sugars, acids, and, beyond in the grapes. When ready the winemaking process continues, as, the grapes are fermented and turned into a rich full bodied wine.

Synonyms:
Sfursat
« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Roagna Barbaresco Pajè 2016

Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont

Roagna Barbaresco Pajè 2016

The 2016 Barbaresco Pajè is one of the highlights in this range, as it offers gorgeous mid-palate depth with super-classic structure. Dark cherry, tobacco, licorice, leather and deeply-pitched spice accents infuse the 2016 with captivating nuance. The Pajè represents a bridge to the higher-end wines in this range. All of these wines have become pricey, but the Pajè is one of the larger-production wines and consistently delivers superb quality at a more approachable price than many of the othe

Vintage 2016
$350
$340ea in any 3+
$330ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Domaine Didier Dagueneau Sancerre 'Le Mont Damné' 2023

Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé, Centre Loire

Domaine Didier Dagueneau Sancerre ‘Le Mont Damné’ 2023

Rarely exported as there is so little made, we only get a few bottles even at the best of times. Didier Dagueneau always dreamed of making a great Sancerre from the chalky slopes of Chavignol. It was only in the late ‘90s that he was able to acquire half a hectare of Les Monts Damnés, near Gérard Boulay’s Comtesse parcel, and soon planted it to his own exacting standards. The south-facing, steep site has white soil packed with chalk. The historic name of the parcel or climat (within Le

Vintage 2023
$511
$491ea in any 3+
$471ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Domaine du Closel Savennières 'La Jalousie' Chenin Blanc 2020

Chenin Blanc from Savennières, D'Anjou-Saumur

Domaine du Closel Savennières ‘La Jalousie’ Chenin Blanc 2020

A delicious Jalouise. Quince and Fejoa with a little baking spice. Building in depth with decent length in the glass. Textural phenolics play nicely with chalky acid complexed by hazelnut and crème pat from lees. Vivacious and refreshing. It’ll be lovely to see this fill out with a little more bottle age. Lemon oil and zest at play. Let it warm a little. The perfect intro to the fresher styles of Savennières. It will offer load more with time in bottle!

Vintage 2020
$94
$90ea in any 3+
$86ea in any 6+
Add to cart
Giuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo MAGNUM 2021

Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont

Giuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo MAGNUM 2021

A Langhe Nebb made from young vine Rabajà .. Yes it's true! Always a fun wine. Elegant and juicy fruited, with solid core of fruit wrapped in chewy tannins. It’s a playful Langhe. Typically perfumed with a savoury twang, a little orange. Loads of fun to be had here. Always better after an extra year in bottle & a good decant. Will reward 2-5 years patience.Even his Langhe Neb is young vine Rabajà!

Vintage 2021 Magnum 1.5L
$135
$130ea in any 3+
$125ea in any 6+
Add to cart