Pinot Noir DOC
Arrived in the 1960s
Pinot Noir arrived in the Aosta Valley in the 1960s and 1970s. The Aosta School of Agriculture, run by the canons of the Great St Bernard and later to become the Institut agricole régional, planted several French red varieties at that time. It was following the example of the neighbouring Valais, which had just renewed its vineyards in the same way.
A delicate variety
Pinot Noir buds and ripens early, is vulnerable to damp and does not like great heat. The dry, cool climate of the valley suits it well. About 151,000 bottles are produced each year.
In the glass
A pale ruby colour, almost transparent. Raspberry, wild strawberry and blackcurrant, with a hint of spice. The tannins are fine. Aged in barriques, it keeps for two to eight years and is served at 16–18 °C.
At the table
Rabbit, poultry, mushroom dishes, fontina.
