Convento San Lorenzo

The Convent of San Lorenzo is located in the heart of the Valtellina Sassella area below the Rhaetian Alps.  Its main vineyard, referred to as Clos, is guarded by ancient stone walls that were constructed in 1100 AD.  For centuries the property was managed by Benedictine Nuns, who played an important community role as educators and wine producers.  The vineyards encompass eight hectares total (two of which are the Clos) and six surrounding hectares that are divided into four types of mountain Nebbiolo.  Planted to south facing slopes at 400-600 meters above sea level in ancient glacial soils, this type of cultivation is no easy task, but makes for a distinct alpine Nebbiolo that showcases great elegance and depth.  

 

 

Mamete Prevostini has cultivated this type of terroir for forty years and has been revitalizing the Clos at Convento San Lorenzo for the last twenty.  The effort to replant in 2005 after years of neglect have been very fruitful.  His ambition was to intentionally plant new Nebbiolo vines in the Girapoggio pattern (east to west) to ensure the best exposure and expression in Sassella.  The property and its bottlings offer varying styles beginning with the more youthful Rosso di Valtellina, to the flagship Sassella & Riserva along with the meditative Sforzato.