Location

North of Torino. runs east to west from the mountains of Monte Bianco to Piedmont, a long narrow valley carved out by the River Dora Baltea

Climate

Depends on the altitude of the vineyard but generally continental with very cold winters and long warm summers. Exposition will also affect mesoclimates

Topography

Very mountainous, dominated by Monte Bianco. Terraced vineyards, small plots, back-breaking work.

Soils

Subject to erosion and therefore very mixed, poor, gravelly

Production

Average production 6000 Hl DOC wine. Italy’s smallest region. 2 most important wines – Torrette and Blanc de Morgex

 
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Grapes

  • Description

    Aka Corniola. this red variety is cultivated mostly between Arnad and Arvier. Wines have notably less acidity than there Aostan counterparts.

    Principle Wines

    Valle d’Aosta DOC Cornalin

  • Description

    See Piedmont

    Principle Wines

    See Piedmont

  • Description

    See Piedmont

    Principle Wines

    See Piedmont

  • Description

    Dark berried speciality of the Valle d'Aosta similar to Freisa. Locally its wines are consumed with some aging.

    Principle Wines

    Valle d'Aosta Fumin

  • Description

    The brilliant ruby-red Mayolet reveals intense, clean, pleasing and elegant aromas with an evident hint of rose followed by pleasing notes of cherry, raspberry, blueberry and strawberry. Early ripening red variety

    Principle Wines

  • Description

    AKA Picutener see Piedmont

    Principle Wines

    AKA Picutener see Piedmont

  • Description

    A blue-black grape for blending.

    Principle Wines

    Arnad Montjovet Blend; Donnas Blend; Enfer d'Arvier

  • Description

    One of the more widely cultivated red grapes mostly in the mid valley. Native to the region

    Principle Wines

    Torrette; Chambave Rouge; Enfer d'Arvier Blend; Nus Rouge

  • Description

    See International

    Principle Wines

    See International

  • Description

    Rare red grape produced between Aosta and St Pierre. Produces wines light of colour but good body.

    Principle Wines

  • Description

    Valle d'Aosta's only native white grape. It's resistant to cold and ripens fairly early.

    Principle Wines

    Blanc de Morgex et de La Salleription

  • Description

    Found especially in the central commune of Nus. This red native grape can achieve relatively good alcohol levels for this cooler climate.

    Principle Wines

    Nus Rouge

Major Appellations DOCG/DOC

  • Description

    Some interest generated in the 1990s especially of the Nebbiolo based Donnas towards the Piedmonts' border. However, much of the consumption is local and sales are regional, at best and thus confined within Northern Italy

    Principle Wines

    This is a catch all DOC. Grapes depending on label descriptions and sub denominations (see sub appellations).

Sub Appellations DOCG/DOC

  • Description

    Made in the zones towards the Eastern end of the valley between Chambave and Donnas. A perfumed dry red based 70% on Nebbiolo

    Principle Wines

    Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Vien de Nus, Pinot Nero, Neyret, Freisa

  • Description

    From high up in the valley in the western area of the appellation this is possibly more well known wine from the region. A white demonstrating mountain freshness when dry the late harvest version can be sweet. There is also a spumante version.

    Principle Wines

    Prié Blanc

  • Description

    There is the dry and sweet version called flétri which is a late harvest and then raisined wine rather like recioto di soave, matured in small oak barrels

    Principle Wines

    Moscato

  • Description

    From the centre of the region this wine must have at least 70% Petit Rouge

    Principle Wines

    Petit Rouge, Dolcetto, Gamay, Pinot Nero

  • Description

    From the eastern part of the region bordering Piedmont. Nebbiolo must make at least 85% of the blend. Locals call this wine Barolo's mountain brother.

    Principle Wines

    Nebbiolo (Picutener), Freisa, Neyret

  • Description

    One of the first areas in the region to achieve DOC status, its name comes for the suntrap amphitheatre of vineyards. 85% of the blend must come from native grapes.

    Principle Wines

    Petit Rouge, Pinot Nero, Vien de Nus, Neyret, Gamay

  • Description

    There is the dry and sweet version called flétri which is a late harvest and then raisined wine rather like recioto di soave, matured in small oak barrels

    Principle Wines

    Malvoisie and Pinot Grigio

  • Description

    Nus is the area in the centre of Valle d'Aosta. This fruity Alpine red must have at least 70% native grapes.

    Principle Wines

    Vien de Nus at least 40%, Petit Rouge, Pinot Nero

  • Description

    Very perfumed red of flowers and wild strawberries. Dry and spicey palate.

    Principle Wines

    Petit Rouge at least 70%, Pinot Nero