Passito Vertemate: The Elegance of Time Between History and Vineyards

When people think of dessert wines, they often imagine sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes. Yet among the Alps of Valchiavenna, an extraordinary passito wine is produced from grapes grown in a historic vineyard dating back to the 16th century.

Harvest takes place in mid-September. The grapes are carefully picked and left to dry naturally for four months in dedicated drying rooms, allowing aromas, sugars and fragrances to become concentrated over time. Fermentation and one year of ageing in wooden barrels then create a wine that is intense, elegant and complex.

The Vertemate vineyard is deeply connected to the history of the Renaissance palace built by the Vertemate Franchi brothers, the only significant structure to survive the devastating landslide of 1618 that destroyed the ancient village of Piuro. Today, the estate retains its timeless charm, with frescoed rooms, gardens and vineyard rows overlooking the valley.

In the early 2000s, a project was launched to restore the historic vineyard and return it to its former beauty. Since 2005, Mamete Prevostini has overseen the production of Passito Vertemate, transforming it into one of the most sought-after wines of the region.

The vineyard covers approximately 7,000 square metres and is planted with northern European varieties such as Gewürztraminer and Rhine Riesling, which express a refined balance of freshness, aromatic intensity and structure.
Every bottle reflects the patience of time, the value of tradition and the beauty of a landscape that continues to live through wine. A rare passito born among history, art and mountains.