Wines

The Aosta Valley is one of the smallest wine regions in Italy. Its vines cover the slopes of the Dora Baltea valley, from Pont-Saint-Martin to the foot of Mont Blanc. Wines are made here under the Valle d’Aosta DOC.

A very old vine in the Aosta Valley

Vines have been grown here for a long time. According to archaeologists, grape pips found in the region date back to the Bronze Age. In Roman times, in the 1st century AD, wine was already being produced regularly, as the remains from that period show.

Working on steep slopes

Many vines in the Aosta Valley are planted on steep hillsides, often on terraces held up by dry-stone walls. Machines have difficulty getting through, or cannot at all. Much of the work is therefore done by hand, from pruning to harvest. In Italy this kind of vineyard is called “heroic viticulture”.

Climate and altitude in the Aosta Valley vineyard

The climate of the valley suits the vine well. There is little rain, the wind often blows, and the difference in temperature between day and night is large. These conditions favour wines with pronounced aromas. Over barely 90 kilometres the conditions change a great deal: some vines grow on the valley floor, others climb to 1,200 metres above sea level, at Morgex.

The main DOC wines

The Valle d’Aosta DOC covers many designations, by grape variety or sub-zone. See the full list of the *DOC wines of the Aosta Valley*. Among the best known:

• Torrette: a structured red, with aromas of ripe red fruit;
• Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle: a mountain white, fresh and mineral;
• Fumin: a powerful red, with notes of black fruit and spices;
• Petite Arvine: a fine white, with aromas of citrus and flowers;
• Donnas: often compared to the wines of neighbouring Piedmont, for its aromas of rose and its tannins.

Visiting the vineyard: tastings and walks

There are several ways to discover the vineyards: tastings, walks among the vines, cellar visits. The list of producers presents the cellars of the valley, with their contact details.