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April Wine Class

The wines of Valle D’Aosta

April 12th, 3pm

Valle d’Aosta is nothing if not a manifestation of extremes. Nestled along the border of France and Switzerland, at 1260 miles², it is the smallest of Italy’s 20 regions. It logically follows that it also has the smallest regional population (a mere 125,500 souls) and is also the least densely populated. As is often the case with more remote areas, Valle d’Aosta certainly ranks as one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Situated high in the Western Alps, the region boasts world-class ski resorts, water-fall strewn mountain landscapes, medieval castles, and well-preserved Ancient Roman ruins. The Romans founded the capital city Aosta to establish a secure mountain pass after conquering the territory from the Celtic Salassi tribe in 25 BCE. Although there is limited evidence of wine making that predates the Romans, it was undoubtedly the Romans that established meaningful viticulture in the region. Valle d’Aosta literally means Valley of Augustus.

Valle d’Aosta is home to 13 of its own native grapes. It has unique expressions of Nebbiolo (locally called Picotendro) and makes some of Italy’s best examples of international varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Müller Thurgau.

Come explore explore the wines of this tiny, and very mighty, region.