Ciao!  Please join us in welcoming Matteo Balgera, fifth generation vigneron in Valtellina, Italy, to The Pip.

Matteo will talk about his family history, sustainable farming in Valtellina, and will guide us through a tasting of five wines, including two single vineyard Nebbiolos and a 2005 Valtellina Superiore Valgella Riserva.

The Balgera property is one of the oldest wineries in Valtellina – a steeply sloped region in Lombardy, Italy (near the Swiss border).  The southern-facing vineyards are terraced – carved out of the rocky substrate - and all worked by hand.  The Balgera vineyards are planted with the Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) grape.

A combination of unique circumstances - high elevation, rocky soil, southern sun exposure, meticulous vineyard management and heroic winemaking create wines are austere, elegant and ethereal, “poised with the tension of a ballerina in mid-pirouette.”

Along with the Matteo’s presentation, great company and the wonderful wines, we’ll also enjoy some Lombardy-inspired appetizers.  Molto Buono, what a treat!

Tickets are $60pp.