About Convento San Lorenzo by Mamete Prevostini
Nestled in the heart of Valtellina's Sassella subzone, above Sondrio in Lombardy's Alps, Convento San Lorenzo is a historic 12th-century Benedictine monastery reborn as a beacon of alpine winemaking. Its 2-hectare clos—a rare walled vineyard at 450–600m elevation—yields Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo) from ancient terraces carved into glacial, rocky-sandy soils. Acquired by Mamete Prevostini in 2022 after leasing since 2009, this UNESCO-recognized site blends monastic heritage with modern finesse.
Winemaking here is "heroic," defined by hand-harvested grapes from steep slopes and sustainable practices. Techniques include minimal intervention, stainless-steel fermentation for freshness (Vesper Rosso), and extended oak aging in large Slavonian botti for structure (De Le Mur, Clos Riserva). The flagship Ventum Sforzato undergoes 100-day appassimento in breezy fruttaio lofts, concentrating flavors, with select Riserva lots seeing full malolactic in new tonneaux for creamy depth. Each bottle—crafted in small batches—captures the Alps' vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and notes of cherries, herbs, and minerality, earning accolades like Tre Bicchieri for Ventum (2018) and Clos Riserva (2018).