Notify me
2018 Valtènesi “La Botte Piena”
La BasiaLombardia is not particularly renowned for wine, but a closer look reveals a number of small growing regions offering something unique.
Italy’s rich tradition of viticulture is illustrated not only by the great wines from prestigious appellations such as Barolo and Brunello but also by the wealth of gems found in lesser-known regions all over the country. Lombardia is not particularly renowned for wine, but a closer look reveals a number of small growing regions offering something unique. The Valtènesi zone, along the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, is one such example, and the delicious, easy-drinking reds produced here offer tremendous value—not to mention a surefire cure for a jaded palate. In this example from La Basia, a small family farm producing wine as well as a fantastic stone-ground polenta, the local Groppello grape stars alongside Sangiovese, Marzemino, and Barbera. Aged in concrete tanks and bottled unfiltered, it benefits from a slight chill: with loads of fresh fruit, a peppery crunch, bright acidity, and light, smooth tannins, this under-the-radar rosso is about as gulpable as they come.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2018 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Gropello, Sangiovese, Marzemino, Barbara |
Appellation: | Valtènesi DOC |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Lombardy |
Producer: | La Basia |
Winemaker: | Giacomo Tincani |
Vineyard: | 15 – 50 years, 3 ha |
Soil: | Moraine, with sandy clay |
Aging: | Maceration lasts 6 days, then wine is aged for 9 months in stainless steel tanks, and aged in bottle for at least 3 months |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 12% |
More from this Producer or Region
2019 Valtènesi “La Botte Piena”
Italy | Lombardy
Fresh fruit, a peppery crunch, bright acidity, and light, smooth tannins.
About The Producer
La Basia
About The Region
Lombardy
Italy’s most populous region and the home of its most influential wine critic, the late Luigi Veronelli of Milan, Lombardia holds its share of enological secrets. Dominated by the vast expanses of the Po Valley, the region encompasses Alpine peaks in the north, along the Swiss border, as well as Apennine foothills in its southwest where viticulture plays a major role.
The metodo classico sparklers of Franciacorta, plus Oltrepò Pavese’s still and sparkling wines, enjoy the most renown, yet Lombardia’s richness of different soils and microclimates mean there is much more for the curious palate. The Alpine Nebbiolos of Valtellina are certainly of note, while the region’s picturesque lakes (Maggiore, Como, and Garda, to name a few) provide a moderating effect on climate favorable to high-quality wine production.
The southern shores of Lake Garda in particular boast a number of interesting wine zones. Indigenous grapes like Groppello and Marzemino thrive in these soils of glacial deposit, creating unique reds (plus the ubiquitous Chiaretto rosé) from the Garda and Valtènesi DOCs. The wines of our first and only Lombardia producer, La Basia, are delicious representations of this middle ground between plains and mountains, and perfectly complement the region’s famous cheeses and other local specialties.
More from Lombardy or Italy
2019 Chianti Classico
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany
2021 Südtirol Eisacktaler Riesling
Manni Nössing Italy | Alto Adige
2019 Valtènesi “La Botte Piena”
La Basia Italy | Lombardy
2017 Brunello di Montalcino
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
2022 Vigneti delle Dolomiti Schiava
Ferruccio Carlotto Italy | Alto Adige
2022 Valle d’Itria Spumante Brut
I Pástini Italy | Puglia
2021 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Santa Lucia”
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont
2018 Chianti Classico Riserva “Fondatore”
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany
Rosato Spumante Brut
Sommariva Italy | Veneto
2020 Veneto Garganega “Sera”
Vignato Davide Italy | Veneto
2016 Laboro Disobedient
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2017 Taurasi
Terre del Vescovo Italy | Campania
2019 Chianti Classico
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany
2021 Südtirol Eisacktaler Riesling
Manni Nössing Italy | Alto Adige
2019 Valtènesi “La Botte Piena”
La Basia Italy | Lombardy
2017 Brunello di Montalcino
Sesti Italy | Tuscany
2022 Vigneti delle Dolomiti Schiava
Ferruccio Carlotto Italy | Alto Adige
2022 Valle d’Itria Spumante Brut
I Pástini Italy | Puglia
2021 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Santa Lucia”
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont
2018 Chianti Classico Riserva “Fondatore”
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany
Rosato Spumante Brut
Sommariva Italy | Veneto
2020 Veneto Garganega “Sera”
Vignato Davide Italy | Veneto
2016 Laboro Disobedient
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2017 Taurasi
Terre del Vescovo Italy | Campania
Our Guarantee
Our Guarantee
We only import wine we drink and enjoy ourselves, directly from the source.
Our wine tastes the same in your home as it did where it was bottled in Europe.
Like the long-term relationships we build with growers, we build long-term relationships with our clients. Have a question? Need wine advice? Just give us a call—510-524-1524.