Translation missing: en.VALLE D’AOSTA: VALLE D’AOSTA

Valle d’Aosta is Italy’s smallest and least populated region tucked away in the Alps on the border with France. Its obscure indigenous varietals alongside some French varietals, interesting terroir and the fact that the region has avoided the hype that many of its neighbours have enjoyed make this a fantastic region for wine nerds to explore and find some hidden gems.

LOCATION:
Valle d’Aosta is nestled among the Graian Alps in NW Italy, the region's backbone is a narrow mountain valley that runs southeast from the heights of Mont Blanc to the border of Piedmont. It shares a border with France in Switzerland.

TERROIR:
Most of the vineyards of Valle d’Aosta are located on the steep, south-facing slopes above the Dora Baltea river, a tributary of the Po. The valley floor is too fertile so most vines will be planted from the lower slopes up to a maximum of about 1300m above sea level. Being located on the sheltered western side of The Alps, the region actually receives a lot of protection from rain and enjoys warm dry summers; however, its nights are usually cooler than surrounding regions. Most of the soils are thin and rocky. 

VARIETIES:
The most common white grapes are Prie Blanc, Moscato Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay and the most common reds are Petit Rouge, Fumin, Vien de Nus, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Gamay.

PRODUCERS:
Les Cretes, Rosset Terroir, Grosjean