The grapes for DOCG Sforzato di Valtellina are grown on south-facing terraced vineyards at altitudes of 300 to 700 meters. After harvest, the grapes are dried to increase their sugar concentration, and vinification begins after December 1st.
The wine is aged for at least 20 months from April 1st of the year following the harvest, including a minimum of 12 months in wooden barrels, and must have an alcohol content of at least 14% by volume.