LLS, a Member of The Winebow Group, is Appointed Exclusive U.S. Importer of Aldo Rainoldi

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- LLS (Leonardo LoCascio Selections), a member of The Winebow Group and America's leading importer of premium Italian wines, is pleased to announce that it is the exclusive U.S. importer of Aldo Rainoldi, the family-owned estate based in Valtellina, in the northern region of Lombardy. Aldo Rainoldi has been producing iconic Nebbiolo wines for over 90 years and joins a portfolio that represents more than 60 wineries throughout Italy.

"We are truly honored to welcome Aldo Rainoldi to LLS," said Ted Campbell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of LLS. "Aldo and his family have carried on the winemaking tradition of Valtellina, one of Italy's most breathtaking and lesser-known areas. The Nebbiolo wines produced here are singular in character and unlike any other expression of the variety you find in other parts of the country. LLS is proud to have Aldo Rainoldi's extraordinary wines in our portfolio and to offer a fresh look at both Nebbiolo and Valtellina."

Founded in 1925 by Aldo Rainoldi, the winery is now run by the third generation Aldo who completed his degree in viticulture and oenology at Turin University. Aldo Rainoldi is located in the town of Chiuro in the province of Sondrio, a mountainous valley in the Italian Alps that stretches 25 miles east to west. The winery covers 24 acres of south-facing vineyards, which allows for extraordinary exposure to the sun throughout the day. Terraced and positioned on steep slopes, the vineyards are exclusively maintained by hand. Each acre requires a total of 486 hours to maintain per year ? four times longer than the average time needed for hill viticulture ? and helicopters are often used to help transfer hand-picked grapes from the vineyards to the winery.

Valtellina is known for having the most extended viticulture on mountainous slopes in Italy and the third most in Europe. Called Chiavennasca locally, Nebbiolo shows a distinct expression in Valtellina from that of its Piemontese cousins. Wines from the Rosso di Valtellina DOC show the influence of altitude and the cool, alpine climate on Nebbiolo with aromatic notes of red berry fruits, a lighter body and smooth tannins. Those from the Valtellina Superiore DOCG (and its subzones Marrogia, Sassella, Grumello, Inferno, and Valgella) show the effect of the intense sunlight on the vineyards with each subzone imparting its own characteristics, resulting in wines of unexpected intensity that offer complex profiles of red berries, stony earth, and savory herbs.

"Respecting family tradition, the Valtellina region, and the environment is our philosophy," said Aldo Rainoldi, owner and winemaker. "We knew immediately that LLS was the right partner for us as they share the same values that we do. They have an outstanding team that understands Italian wine and is committed to showcasing the diversity of Italy's wine regions. We look forward to working with them to tell the unique story of Valtellina and to share the exceptional wines that Nebbiolo produces here."

LLS will import the following wines from Aldo Rainoldi: Nebbiolo Alpi Retiche IGT, Rosso di Valtellina DOC, Prugnolo Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Grumello Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Sassella Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Sassella Valtellina Superiore DOCG Riserva, Inferno Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Inferno Valtellina Superiore DOCG Riserva, Sfursat di Valtellina DOCG, and Fruttaio Ca' Rizzieri Sfursat di Valtellina DOCG.

About LLS
LLS is a division of Winebow Imports, a leading importer of fine wines and spirits from the around the world. LLS has represented Italian wines of impeccable quality, character, and value for over 35 years. Each wine in the collection tells a unique story about the family and region that produced it. A taste through the portfolio is a journey across Italy's rich spectrum of geography, history, culture, and cuisine. Whether a crisp Pinot Bianco from the Dolomites or a rich Aglianico from Campania, the wines of LLS will transport you to Italy's outstanding regions. For more information, please visit http://www.llswine.com.

SOURCE The Winebow Group