# Mamete Prevostini Marena Sassella (2021)

- **Producer:** Mamete Prevostini
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Lombardy, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €36
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, black cherry, cedar, vanilla, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Mamete Prevostini Marena Sassella is a 100% Nebbiolo wine from the Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG in Lombardy. The wine's name, 'Marena', is derived from a local dialect word for cherry. The producer, Mamete Prevostini, is a prominent figure in the Valtellina wine community, serving as President of the Consorzio. The winery's approach focuses on meticulous vineyard management, manual harvesting from terraced slopes, and allowing grapes to reach full maturation. The Sassella subzone, with its unique granite soil composition and high-altitude vineyards, contributes to the distinctive character of this mountain-grown Nebbiolo.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are planted on steep terraces, requiring manual labor for harvesting.
- The soil is predominantly granite, with a lack of limestone.
- 'Marena' is a local dialect word for cherry.
- Mamete Prevostini is the President of the Valtellina wine consortium.

## Food pairing

The wine's structured tannins and medium-plus body are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb and game. The wine's inherent acidity can cut through fatty elements, while its savory notes can echo herbs and earthy flavors found in many traditional Italian dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Mamete Prevostini Marena Sassella begins with destemming and light pressing of the Nebbiolo grapes. Maceration typically lasts for 13-15 days on the skins at around 25°C. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 12 months in oak barrels. It then undergoes a further 8-10 months of bottle refinement before being released.