How has France affected the history of Valle d'Aosta?
Valle d'Aosta was absorbed into the Frankish Kingdown in the 6th century. French and Italian are both spoken, and wines use French terms and names
What factors influence the climate of Valle d'Aosta?
Elevation, the Alps, and the Dora Baltea river
How does elevation affect the viticultural practices of Valle d'Aosta?
Pergola is used to maximize sun exposure. In high areas, pergolas are low to the ground and supported by rocks to maximize heat and reflected sunlight exposure
Describe the geology of Valle d'Aosta
Landscape formed by glaciers. Slopes soils are shallow limestone or schist with low water retention. Valley soils are alluvial with gravel
Where are most vineyards planted in Valle d'Aosta?
On terraces carved into steep Alpine slopes on the north (south-facing) side of the Dora Baltea river to maximize sun exposure
How is the Valle d'Aosta valley subdivided? What distinguishes these subregions?
Alta Valle (Upper Valley), Valle Centrale (Central Valley), Bassa Valle (Lower Valley). Regions are distinguished by elevation, temperature, rainfall, and varieties grown
What are the most widely planted varieties in Valle d'Aosta?
Petit Rouge and Nebbiolo
Which varieties are native to Valle d'Aosta? Which are "traditional"?
Prié Blanc, Petit Rouge, and Fumin are native. Petite Arvine and Nebbiolo are "traditional"
What are the hallmark characteristics of Valle d'Aosta wines?
Single-varietal, easy-drinking, and unique. Reds are fruity and spicy, whites are floral and fruity
What is the difference between late harvest and passito?
Late-harvest wines are made from overripe grapes, passito wines are made from air-dried grapes
How are single-variety wines from Valle d'Aosta labeled?
Valle d'Aosta DOC Varietal Name
How are wines from the Valle d'Aosta subzones labeled?
Valle d'Aosta DOC Subzone Name
How are Valle d'Aosta DOC wines labeled?
Valle d'Aosta DOC followed by generic color, subzone, or varietal
From west to east, name the subzones of Valle d'Aosta DOC
Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, Enfer d'Arvier, Torrette, Nus, Chambave, Arnad-Montjovet, Donnas. Seven in all.
Describe the wines of Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle
Mainly dry whites made from ungrafted Prié Blanc in the Upper Valley of Valle d'Aosta. Light, floral, high in acid, notes of mountain herbs and hay. Some traditional method sparkling also produced.
Describe the wines of Donnas
Red wines made from at least 85% Nebbiolo in the Lower Valley of the Valle d'Aosta around the town of Donnas. Minimum 24 months aging, at least 10 in oak. Most prestigious Nebbiolo Valle d'Aosta subzone
Describe the wines of Chambave
Three different wines from the Central Valley of Valle d'Aosta: red from at least 70% Petit Rouge (Chambave), dry white from Moscato Bianco (Chambave Moscato), and sweet passito from Moscato Bianco (Chambave Moscato Pasito)
Describe the wines of Torrette
Red wine from at least 70% Petit Rouge in the Central Valley of Valle d'Aosta. Largest of the subzones and accounts for the majority of DOC production
Which Italian region produces the smallest amount of wine?
Valle d'Aosta
What is the smallest Italian region?
Valle d'Aosta
What borders Valle d'Aosta?
Switzerland to the north, France to the west, Piemonte to the south and east
What are the main topographical features of Valle d'Aosta?
The Alps (notably Monte Bianco), and the Dora Baltea river
What are the main varieties of the Central Valley of Valle d'Aosta?
Petit Rouge, Premetta, and Fumin
What are the main varieties of the Lower Valley of Valle d'Aosta?
Nebbiolo
What is the climate of Valle d'Aosta?
Continental with alpine influence
Is mechanization possible in Valle d'Aosta?
No
What percentage of wine production in Valle d'Aosta is red?
80%
Describe Prié Blanc
Pale color, light body, steely acidity, strong minerality. Aromas of white flowers, green apple, mountain hay, and herbs. Only white variety native to Valle d'Aosta and most widely planted
Describe Petite Arvine
Straw yellow, high acidity, high extract, high alcohol. Aromas of grapefruit, pear, tropical fruit, saline. Swiss origin but traditional to Valle d'Aosta
Describe Petit Rouge
Dark, medium-bodied wines with good acidity and aromas of red flowers, fresh red fruit, almonds, spice. Indigenous to Valle d'Aosta and most widely-planted variety
Describe Nebbiolo from Valle d'Aosta
Paler and less structured than Piemontese Nebbiolo, with rose and tar notes
What is picotendro?
Valle d'Aosta name for Nebbiolo
Describe Fumin
Deep ruby, full-bodied, high acid and tannin, aromas of red fruit, herbs, pepper, sweet spice. Traditionally a blending grape, now made as a single varietal. Benefits from oak
What are the aging requirements for Valle d'Aosta DOC?
Five months for reds, none for whites
Is there an IGP in Valle d'Aosta?
No
What percentage of Valle d'Aosta wine production comes from cooperatives?
75%
Who are the Viticulteurs Encaveurs?
Quality-minded association of Valle d'Aosta growers who bottle their own wines (instead of contributing to a cooperative)
What is the Valle d'Aosta name for Nebbiolo
Picotendro
What is the predominant grape of Arnad-Montjovet?
Nebbiolo
Which subzone of Valle d'Aosta is unaffected by phylloxera?
Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle
What is the predominant grape of Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle?
Prié Blanc
What is the predominant grape of Torrette?
Petit Rouge
How many DOCs in Valle d'Aosta?
1
How many DOCGs in Valle d'Aosta?
0
What does fletri mean on a label from Valle d'Aosta?
Passito-style wine
Where is the traditional home for Moscato in Valle d'Aosta?
Chambave
What is the major river of Valle d'Aosta?
Dora Baltea
What is Malvoise in Valle d'Aosta?
Pinot Grigio
What is the predominant grape of Donnas?
Nebbiolo
Identify the subzones of Valle d'Aosta
