Valle d'Aosta

Question 1

How many sub regions are there in Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 1

7

Question 2

What are the names of the sub regions of Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 2

Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle
Enfer d’Arvier
Torrette
Nus 
Chambave
Arnad-Montjovet
Donnas

Question 3

What are the traditional white grape varieties of Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 3

Prié Blanc (Blanc de Morgex)
Moscato Bianco
Petite Arvine
Malvoisie (Pinot Grigio)

Question 4

What are the international white grape varieties of Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 4

Chardonnay
Müller Thurgau
Pinot Blanc
Gewurztraminer

Question 5

What are the traditional red grape varieties of Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 5

Petit Rouge (Picciourouzo)
Nebbiolo (Picotendro)
Fumin
Prié Rouge (Prëmetta)

Question 6

What are the international red grape varieties of Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 6

Pinot Noir
Gamay
Merlot
Syrah

Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa - other permitted Italian varieties

Question 7

Valle d’Aosta - one of _____________ Italian region and the _________ populated.
It also produces the __________ amount of wine.

Answer 7

Valle d’Aosta - one of the smallest Italian region and the least populated.
It also produces the smallest amount of wine.

Question 8

Where are the majority of vineyards planted?

Answer 8

They are planted on the steep terraced slopes on some of the highest vineyards in Europe.

Question 9

Why is this region the only French speaking area in Italy?

Answer 9

Due to the Frankish domination during the Dark Ages.

Question 10

Why do few Valle d’Aosta wines reach the export market?

Answer 10

There is a small but high quality production which is mainly consumed by the tourists/visitors who come to enjoy the skiing and hiking trails.

Question 11

Which 2 kingdoms did Valle d’Aosta become incorporated into?

Answer 11

Kingdom of Sardinia and then the Kingdom of Italy (1861)

Question 12

What is the French for Valle d’Aosta and why could this appear on wine labels?

Answer 12

Vallée d’Aoste - as the region is bilingual (French and Italian) wine labels can be in French or use French terms and wineries often have French names.

Question 13

Which countries/regions border Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 13

North - Switzerland
East - Piemonte
South - Piemonte
West - France

Question 14

How much of the Valle d’Aosta is covered by mountains and what elevation?

Answer 14

More than 60% of the region is covered by mountains (Alps) and is above 2,100m.
Snow covers most of the region for almost half the year.

Question 15

What is the principal river of Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 15

Dora Baltea

Question 16

How many portions is Aosta Valley divided into and what are they?

Answer 16

3

Upper Valley
Central Valley
Lower Valley

Question 17

What are the main facts about the Upper Valley?

Answer 17

Coldest & driest part of the valley
Western area
Small terraced vineyards
Very steep slopes - 800-1,200m
Planted along N bank of Dora Baltea (south-facing)
Main towns: Morgex, La Salle

Question 18

What are the main facts about the Central Valley?

Answer 18

Lies in central portion of valley
Vineyards on gentler slops - 500-700m
N bank of Dora Baltea
Accounts for majority of wine production
Mostly red from Petit Rouge, Prëmetta & Fumin
Main towns: Chambave, Nus, Arvier

Question 19

What are the main facts about the Lower Valley?

Answer 19

Eastern portion of the valley - runs south-east
Warmest & wettest part
Vineyards planted on both sides of Dora Baltea
Planted at 300-400m
Red varieties main type - in particular Nebbiolo
Main towns: Donnas, Arnad, Montjovet

Question 20

What is the climate of Valle d’Aosta and what is the average annual temperature?

Answer 20

Continental climate with Alpine influences

10.5C