Within the walls surrounding one of the most celebrated Alpine Renaissance mansions,
close to the magnificent Acqua Fraggia waterfalls, is the vineyard at the Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, Piuro, representing a splendid example of returning to old times, values and land-use.

The stately home, complete with its much appreciated frescoes and inlaid ceilings forms an
integral part of Chiavenna’s wealth of museums, having had the great fortune to survive the landslide of 1618 which devastated Piuro almost in its entirety.
The vineyard along with orchards, vegetable plots and chestnut woods remain a living testament to traditional cultivation over many a century. And it’s the impressive surrounding wall – as much as the splendidly sunny aspect – which serves to create the micro-climate which encouraged the Prevostini brothers – well versed in wine production over decades – to consider what might just be possible. Choice of vine: Riesling and Traminer Aromatico
And what a result! A dessert wine of the very highest order. Pretty original but not unlike some produce of the Rhine areas of central and northern Europe. Nevertheless this particular ‘passito’ has a very particular Valchiavenna style, positively unique in this Alpine region. Harvesting begins in mid-September – followed by a withering process of four months prior to ageing and fermentation for a further 12 months in oak barrels. It’s marketed in attractive half-litre bottles within customized cases, has a deep yellow colour
and hints of apricot and peach with an aftertaste of candied fruit and honey.
A beautifully balanced wine with measured sweetness and a surprisingly intense bouquet.