Alta Valle and its wines

The term Alta Valle generally refers to the highest part of a wine valley, with vineyards at altitudes above the average for the area.

The area

In Italy, and in particular in Alpine settings such as Aosta Valley or the mountain areas of the Trentino-Alto Adige, theAlta Valle is synonymous with heroic viticulture, with steep slopes, a cool climate and wide temperature swings.

These factors give rise to wines fresh, elegant and long-lived, often with pronounced natural acidity and a fine, vertical aromatic profile.
The optimal exposure to the sun and the mineral soils, often of morainic or volcanic origin, make it possible to obtain healthy grapes, slow ripening and complex aromas.

What is the Alta Valle wine district?

TheAlta Valle can be an official subzone (for example Alta Valle della Dora Baltea in the Aosta Valley, or high areas of Alto Adige such asAlta Valle Isarco), or a local name used by producers to indicate the highest vineyards.

These territories share:

• Altitudes between 500 and 1.200 metres

• A cool alpine or Apennine climate

• Manual viticulture and often terraced

• A focus on aromatic whites and fine reds

Characteristics of Alta Valle Wines

Colour

• Whites: Pale straw yellow, with greenish highlights.

• Reds: Transparent, bright ruby red.

Aromas

• Whites: Wild flowers, aromatic herbs, citrus, white fruit.

• Reds: Crisp red fruit, violet, delicate spicy notes.

Palate

• Fresh and Taut: Bright acidity, light-medium body.

• Mineral: A clear stamp of place, savoury finish.

• Elegant: Fine tannins in the reds, a harmonious structure in the whites.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Alta Valle

White Grape

• Prié Blanc (Aosta Valley)

• Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, Riesling (Trentino-Alto Adige)

• Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc in cool areas

Black Grape

• Nebbiolo (Picotendro in the Aosta Valley)

• Pinot Nero

• Lagrein and Schiava in the high areas of Alto Adige

Why choose a wine from the Alta Valle?

• A fresh, vertical profile ideal for aperitifs and light cooking

• Great longevity in aromatic whites and elegant reds

• A pure expression of the mountain terroir

• An excellent match with fresh cheeses, lake fish, local cured meats