Cellar Profile
Region
Surrounded by the Alps, the Valle d'Aosta is home to the highest elevated vineyards in all of Europe. The region is divided into three main vineyard areas: the upper valley,Valdigne; the central valley; and the lower valley. Most vineyards in the Aosta Valley occupy the steep, south-facing slopes above the Dora Baltea river, a tributary of the Po. The dramatic topography and diminutive size of the valley mean that the area available for viticulture is limited. Much of the valley floor, with its mineral-rich, well-watered soils, is simply too fertile for quality viticulture. As a result, many of the best vineyards here are on the lower slopes, and climb steadily up the slopes to top altitudes of around 1300m above sea level.
Vineyard
Sourced from multiple vineyards throughout Aymavilles at 500-700 metres above sea level. Vines averaging 15 years of age are trained in the French Guyot method and cultivated on steep slopes comprised of morainic, loose, sandy soils which are exposed to the northeast, southeast and southwest.
Winemaking
Refrigeration and gentle whole-cluster pressing of the grapes, fermentation for 12 days instainless steel at 14°C and agingon the lees for 3 months.
Tasting Notes
Ideal with fish appetizers, white meats,fresh cheeses, steamed fish, omelettes, andsavoury pies.
Varieties
A blend of indigenous and French varietals, including Prié Blanc, Muller Thurgau and Pinot Bianco. The first record of Prié Blanc was from 1691. It is particularly cold-hardy and DNA mapping indicates it is a crossing of multiple indigenous Aosta vitis vinifera. A tiny-berried grape, it retains high acid levels even when fully ripened and is used in Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, one of the oldest wines in the Valley. Muller Thurgau is another cool climate varietal that does extremely well at high elevation. A progeny of Riesling, it is quite low in acidity and uses minerality for balance. This aromatic grape was best known for producing oceans of mediocre-to-poor liebfraumilch in the Rheinhessen region of Germany. However, it shows great promise in high altitudes when care is taken to reduce yields and ripen skins. Pinot Blanc is the white grape mutation of Pinot Noir. It is found mostly in Germany and Northern Italy where it produces refreshing, peachy and dry wines.