Vigna Fracia is the purest and most vertical expression of Valtellina Superiore DOCG Valgella, an exceptional cru produced by the historic winery Nino Negri, a benchmark of Lombard winemaking since 1897. Nestled among the steep terraces of Valtellina, Vigna Fracia tells the story of the greatness of mountain-grown Nebbiolo, locally known as Chiavennasca.
A historic winery in the heart of Valtellina
Founded in 1897, Casa Vinicola Nino Negri is based in the evocative Castello Quadrio in Chiuro, built in 1432 by Filippo Visconti. Made famous by the vision of Carlo Negri, a winemaker trained in Conegliano in 1920, the winery has successfully blended tradition and innovation. Since 1986, it has been part of the Gruppo Italiano Vini, while maintaining its deep Valtellina roots.
Today, the estate owns 34 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious subzones of Valtellina Superiore DOCG: Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, and Valgella. All Nino Negri wines are based on Chiavennasca, the native Nebbiolo variety cultivated on ancient terraces supported by dry stone walls.
Today, the estate owns 34 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious subzones of Valtellina Superiore DOCG: Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, and Valgella. All Nino Negri wines are based on Chiavennasca, the native Nebbiolo variety cultivated on ancient terraces supported by dry stone walls.
Vigna Fracia: the vertical soul of Valgella
The Fracia vineyard, a true cru within the Valgella subzone, spans 6.5 hectares between 350 and 500 meters above sea level. The vines, planted west to east along the slope, take root in sandy, shallow soils with very low water retention, giving the wine a unique mineral character and exceptional verticality.
Extreme conditions and low yields (70 quintals/ha) enhance concentration and finesse. The south-facing exposure, targeted clonal selections, and high planting density (4,000 vines/ha) complete this outstanding agronomic profile.
Extreme conditions and low yields (70 quintals/ha) enhance concentration and finesse. The south-facing exposure, targeted clonal selections, and high planting density (4,000 vines/ha) complete this outstanding agronomic profile.
Vigna Fracia 2019 – Valtellina Superiore DOCG Valgella
Harvested in late October to ensure optimal ripeness. After fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks (24–28°C for 6 days), the wine is aged 20 months in French barriques, completing both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, followed by 6 months in bottle.
A refined and elegant sensory profile
Vigna Fracia 2019 reveals a bright garnet color with orange highlights. The nose is complex and layered, offering notes of violet, dried rose, ripe plum, balsamic spices, tobacco, vanilla, dark chocolate, and graphite. On the palate, it is warm, savory, structured, and perfectly balanced, with fine tannins and a long finish marked by bitter almond and mineral notes.
A wine symbolizing heroic viticulture in Valtellina
Vigna Fracia is more than just a wine: it is a symbol of heroic viticulture in Valtellina, a liquid narrative of effort, passion, and a deep connection to the mountains. Vintage after vintage, it represents the perfect synthesis of tradition, terroir, and oenological innovation.
🔗 Discover more about Vigna Fracia and Nino Negri’s Valtellina wines:
🌐 www.ninonegri.it
🌐 www.gruppoitalianovini.it
🌐 www.ninonegri.it
🌐 www.gruppoitalianovini.it
Tags: Vigna Fracia, Valtellina Superiore, DOCG, Valgella, Nino Negri