Sforzato


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

« 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?

A discreet but not invisible hint of volatile acidity adds lift to the well-layered nose of black cherry, violet, lavender and subtle earth and spice hints. The muscular and energetic broad-shouldered flavors offer excellent punch and depth on the driving and firmly structured finish. Assuming that the VA remains at its current level, it shouldn't be more than a background element.Allen Meadows, Burghound
$450
$435ea in any 3+
$420ea in any 6+

Cappellano Barolo ‘Rupestris’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

An excellent Rupestris. Cappellano somehow manage to unfurl the Serralunga, Gabutti beast, taming it. Still tightly coiled and needing more time to fully resolve. All the components are there in all the right places and all the right levels, with exceptional Serralunga fruit and tannins. A darkness, brooding, tea and slightly dried orange zest, earthy, savoury, with a core of fruit of great depth and length. 2019 is a year of refined ripe tannins of depth. The fruit has palpable energy and wonde
$390
$375ea in any 3+
$360ea in any 6+

Luigi Pira Barolo ‘Margheria’ 2020

Nebbiolo | Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo

All south-facing and sitting at 340 metres, vinification is the same as the Barolo ‘Serralunga’. Intense and complex nose with notes of fruit and flowers and hints of leather and fresh hay, while on the palate it’s perfectly knit and very distinctive, red fruited in style with ironstone, choc-cherry, roses and some of the darker notes of cola and porcini, along with textural red plum-skin, grippy, black-tea tannins that underpin, but it’s still generous and very approachable now.
$177
$170ea in any 3+
$163ea in any 6+

Joh Jos Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett Riesling 2023

Riesling | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

Poised, refined, rich with wonderful tension. “The 2023 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett opens with some reduction, but the yeastiness blends with lemon. The palate is sleek and contoured, vividly fine, with cool, salty slate. Its blue, cool aspect shines with yellow lemon, creating a gorgeous complementary accord that accentuates absolute elegance.” Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous 94 PointsJean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines Points
$150
$145ea in any 3+
$140ea in any 6+