Luca Faccinelli's 2019 Ortensio Lando is Valtellina Superiore DOCG from Grumello, made from Nebbiolo (known locally as Chiavennasca) grown on steep, terraced vineyards between 400-650m in Lombardy’s Valtellina valley. Luca started his estate in 2007 in Chiuro, working hand-harvested grapes from old vines on 1,000-year-old stone terraces; this wine sees 10-12 days maceration, 16+ months in French oak, and 12 months in bottle in a 15th-century cellar. Grumello lies northeast of Sondrio—its high sites yield precise, mineral Nebbiolo with fragrant fruit and long aging potential, distinct from richer Barolo.

The name honors Ortensio Lando, a Milanese Renaissance writer (c.1510-1558) who called Valtellina wines the world’s best; a former monk turned satirist, his banned works praised this valley’s output. Faccinelli makes Ortensio Lando only in top vintages from Grumello’s best plots like Dossi Salati—James Suckling gave the 2021 92 points, 2019 Riserva 91. Valtellina’s terraces, built over centuries by alpine laborers, define the region’s disciplined, high-altitude style.

Why You'll Love It

• Unmatched finesse for less than $40: Grumello altitude delivers lifted floral precision and graphite edge that flatters richer proteins without heaviness.

• Cellar Anchor: Built to evolve 15+ years

• Terroir authority: Pure mountain Nebbiolo from historic walls in the prestigous Grumello sub-zone of Valtellina

How To Serve It

• Decant for 30-60 minutes and serve between at 60-64°F in wide Burgundy bowls

• Pair with braised short rib, salumi, cured meats or aged Gouda