A Valle d’Aosta Interlude

BY ERIC GUIDO | JUNE 14, 2022

The Romance of Valle d’Aosta

I was initially attracted to Valle d’Aosta by Fumin, an indigenous variety marked by a dark, purplish red color, wild alpine aromas and a mixture of zesty acids and stern tannins. I had never tasted a wine that communicated its place in such a way, as my imagination was teleported to this rugged, mountainous landscape with each tilt of the glass. Fumin led to Petite Arvine, a Swiss import to the region, and one that excels quite well with its zippy acidity and sweet-and-sour citrus profiles. I was in love with the idea of this romantic location and the varieties that were pulling me closer to it with each new taste. However, as I learned more, what amazed me most was how unique Valle d’Aosta really was from the rest of Italy, both in feel and in culture.

Fumin vines post harvest at Lo Triolet.