VALLE D’AOSTA

Nestled in the northwestern corner of Italy lies a small but precious region. Located above Piemonte and surrounded by the magnificent Gratian Alps in the north, it shares borders with France and Switzerland. Standing tall at 4,810 meters (15,781ft), Monte Bianco, or Mont Blanc, dominates the views from the valleys of this region, making it the highest peak in Europe and the 17th highest in the world. Valle d’Aosta is primarily known for its breathtaking natural beauty and impressive alpine range, attracting countless rock climbers, alpine skiers, and enthusiastic adventurers to explore the area. Throughout the valleys, charming castles can be found, with a total of 72 in the main valley alone. These castles, built between the 2nd and 16th centuries, are among the main attractions for tourists. Surprisingly, the region also offers delightful and distinct wines. It may be hard to believe that vines can grow here, but as we will discover, Valle d’Aosta produces truly fascinating and unique wines. So, lace up your hiking boots and let's embark on a journey to reach the pinnacle of the world of wine.

Valle d’Aosta, also known as Vallée d'Aoste, was once covered by a vast glacier. After the glacier receded, it left behind a broad valley carved by the river Dora Baltea, which stretches across the region for 100km (62mi). With a territory spanning 3,268 km2 (1,261 square miles) and a population of 126,000 inhabitants, Valle d’Aosta is one of the smaller and less populous regions of Italy. Aosta serves as both the capital and the only province within the region.

The imagination, strength, determination, and artistic expression associated with wine in this region is truly remarkable. It is unexpected that vineyards can thrive at such high altitudes of 4000 feet. The alpine geography, with its towering peaks and freezing temperatures for most of the year, would deter any rational winemaker. However, the Valdostani people have defied the odds by carefully constructing terraced slopes using rocks and bricks to control the challenging terrain shaped by glacial alluvial soil of rock moraine and sand. The vines have played a crucial role, penetrating deep into the ground to extract nutrients and stabilize the soil to prevent downhill erosion. Cultivating the land in these conditions necessitates the abandonment of mechanization and industrial techniques, placing the entire burden on the farmers' physical labor. With inclinations reaching up to 30%, one must possess the skills of both a farmer and a climber. This unique form of viticulture is often referred to as 'Extreme Viticulture' or 'Viticultura Eroica'.

Valle d'Aosta accounts for a mere 0.1% of Italy's total wine production, yielding approximately 1 million bottles from a cultivation area of 1290 acres. However, what sets these wines apart is their distinctiveness. We have previously discussed the numerous indigenous grape varieties found throughout Italy, but here we encounter even more exclusivity. These grapes can only be found in this particular region and are not grown elsewhere. Among the white grapes are Prie' Blanc, Malvoisie, and Petit Arvine, while the red grapes include Cornalin, Mayolet, Petit Rouge, Premetta, Vien de Nus, and Fumin. Additionally, there are other significant grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, known as Picotendro in this area, which originates from the nearby Piemonte region. Gamay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay are also cultivated here.

Alla vostra salute!

Carrie Upson- GM and Wine Buyer