Producer Profile: Mamete Prevostini
Wines were not commercially released from this estate until 1995, despite a history of winemaking dating back 70 years. Mamete Prevostini inherited this winery from his grandfather, and spent several years experimenting with winemaking techniques before he was satisfied with the result.
He has gradually been growing the reputation not only of his own wines, but of the Valtellina region in general. Viticulture can be difficult in this marginal climate, and many vineyards have been abandoned over the last thirty years. Producers such as Prevostini however are working tirelessly to preserve the ancient terraced vineyards that line these Central Alpine mountainsides.
Wines from this region were traditionally made in the Sforzato style, by drying the grapes before fermentation, in a manner similar to Amarone in Valpolicella. This technique helps to soften and concentrate the sometimes austere qualities of the local Nebbiolo variant, known as Chiavennasca.
Prevostini follows these traditions, but also makes a lighter, more modern style of Chiavennasca. He bottles two separate wines according to sub region, finding that the crus of Sassella and Grumello require slightly more oak than the wines from the more general sub region of Valtellina Superiore. This demonstrates a commitment to versatility and careful attention to detail throughout the winemaking process.
