Aosta Valley and its wines

The Aosta Valley is Italy's smallest wine region and one of the highest in Europe, set among the Alps and bordering France e Switzerland.
The area is almost entirely mountainous, with vineyards climbing up to 1.200 metres above sea level, among terraces held up by dry-stone walls, often reachable only on foot: a true heroic viticulture.

The area

The climate is dry Alpine, with wide temperature swings, harsh winters and short but intense summers, while the soils are of morainic and alluvial origin, rich in sand and stones. These conditions favour slow ripening, concentrated aromas and marked natural acidity, which gives the wines freshness and longevity.

The DOC Valle d’Aosta/Vallée d’Aoste, recognised in 1985, covers the whole region and includes several subzones and geographical mentions reflecting the variety of microclimates and grape varieties.

What is the Aosta Valley wine district?

The DOC Valle d’Aosta/Vallée d’Aoste is divided into several sub-zones:

• Donnas, Arnad-Montjovet, Chambave, Enfer d’Arvier, Torrette, Nus, Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle

• Generic designations such as Red, White, Rosé, Moscato Passito

Each subzone has its own climate and grape varieties, but all of them share the identity of mountain wines: elegant, fresh, mineral and with a strong sense of place.

Characteristics of Aosta Valley Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow, sometimes with greenish highlights

• Reds: Light ruby in the young wines, garnet in the evolved versions

• Rosés: Pale or cherry pink

Aromas

• Whites: Wild flowers, green apple, citrus, alpine herbs

• Reds: Fresh red fruit, violet, sweet spices

• Developed: Mineral notes, almond, wet stone

Palate

• Fresh and Vertical: Marked acidity, medium-light body

• Savoury: A mineral, dry close

• Long-lived: Some whites and reds can develop for more than a decade

Typical Grape Varieties of the Aosta Valley

White Grape

• Prié Blanc: Indigenous to Morgex, it withstands extreme climates

• Petite Arvine: Elegant, savoury, citrusy

• Chardonnay, Moscato Bianco, Pinot Grigio

• Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau at altitude

Black Grape

• Nebbiolo (Picotendro): Structured and austere

• Petit Rouge: The base of Torrette DOC, fruity and spicy

• Fumin: Full-bodied, spicy, suited to ageing

• Cornalin, Mayolet, Pinot Nero, Gamay

Why choose a wine from the Aosta Valley?

• Perfect for those who love fresh, mineral wines

• Large versatility with food: from mountain dishes to lake fish

• Unique native grape varieties and small-scale craft production

• Ideal for anyone looking for authenticity and a sense of place