Winemaker Notes
The Valle d’Aosta is a deep valley that runs east to west, closed off just before the French border by some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Vineyards here are like little gardens clinging to steep south-facing mountainsides, where only a thin layer of sandy topsoil lines the hard granite bedrock. Abundant direct sun and cold nights amplify the aromatic expression of the local grapes while preserving zingy acidity, a recipe for delicate, perfumed wines that dance energetically across the palate. Sipping Feuillet's Petite Arvine evokes the euphoria of running through a field of Alpine wildflowers—admittedly a cliché, until you feel the exacting mineral purity of this floral bianco wash over your senses.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
Claiming an impressive list of autochthonous varieties, Valle d'Aosta is a long, narrow valley, formed by Italy’s extreme northwestern Alps. The region, a natural gateway between Italy and France, is also home to many grape migrants from France and its more southerly Italian neighbors. Not surprisingly, wine labels are often written in Italian and French.
The main whites here include: Petite Arvine and Prié blanc (Blanc de Morgex). For reds: Fumin, Cornalin, Mayolet, Petit Rouge, Premetta, Vuillermin, Neblou, and Vien de Nus are unique to the region. French ones that do well are Gamay noir, Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot gris (confusingly called Malvoisie in Aosta but it is not related to Malvasia). Italian grapes common here include Moscato, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and from farther away, Ciliegiolo.