Alpine Beauty: The Wines of Valle d’AostaViticulture is heroic on the steep
Alpine vineyards in Valle d’Aosta. The result: terroir-driven wines that
pulsate with minerality and energy.There aren’t a lot of regions in
the world that remain undiscovered, especially in the Old World. Tucked between
Italy and Switzerland, Valle d’Aosta remains largely unknown outside a small circle of enthusiasts. If it weren’t for
my frequent trips in northern Italy&nbsp;when I worked in finance I might have
never seen the extraordinary vineyards that dot these picturesque hillside towns. Over the last few years in particular the
wines have come on strong. I am not sure if that is because warmer growing
seasons have made these wines – most of which emerge from steep, high-altitude
sites – much more appealing than in the past, or whether&nbsp;a search for distinctive
yet affordable bottles has simply led wine lovers to pay more attention to the region, but the simple fact is that the Valle d'Aosta is one of the most exciting, emerging appellations in Italy today.<img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1394042348070-foto_high_17+_Article.jpg"> Les Crêtes, Valle d'Aosta Getting a handle on Valle d’Aosta
does require a little bit of work – fun, I promise – as most of the grape varieties are not
seen elsewhere. Fumin often presents
Syrah-like dark fruit and meaty notes, Mayolet
is softer and more fruit driven, while Petit
Rouge can be made in a variety of styles, but usually found&nbsp;in the blends of Chambave and Nus.&nbsp;Among more familiar red varieties, readers will see Gamay and Nebbiolo but they, too, are most&nbsp;often blended with other grapes. Prie Blanc is a distinctive white grape that yields tense wines,
while Moscato and Chardonnay are also found, but are less
common.One of the most distinctive aspects
of Valle d’Aosta is that many of the leading producers are cooperatives. Prices
remain incredibly consumer friendly, especially at the entry-level, where the
best wines are delicious and also terrific values. Best of all, Valle d’Aosta
whites and reds are fabulous at the dinner table, where their mineral-driven personalities are at home with a wide range of foods.- Antonio Galloni

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