The wines of Valle d'Aosta are among Italy's most intriguing. The region is nestled into the Alps north of Piedmont, bordering Switzerland and France. While it's equally as enticing in summer for outdoor activities as it is in the winter for its skiing, it still tends to get overshadowed by the grand cities on Italy's customary tourism circuit. Yet its gastronomy and delicacies hold their own, and so do its wines.
The wines of seven area sub-denominations and 19 grape sub-denominations fall under the single Valle d'Aosta DOC. Many indigenous grapes, such as the red Petit Rouge, Premetta and Fumin, and the white Prié Blanc, grow on the slopes of Mont Blanc in some of Europe's highest vineyards. In fact, they're so high up that the phylloxera, the vineyard pest that destroyed Europe's vines in the mid-19th century, never made it there.
The area also reaps some interesting international grape varieties, such as Petite Arvine and Pinot Noir. They've acclimatized well to the region, as has Nebbiolo, which the Valdotians call Picotendro.
If dining at a restaurant, begin with a glass of Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle Classic Method, and then continue with a Torrette, the red made from predominantly Petit Rouge more popular in the region and, finally, close with a glass of the sweet Chambave Muscat Flétri, a passito with aromas of honey, aromatic herbs, and peach jam. Here are wines of Valle d'Aosta to keep an eye out for.
Elio Ottin Aosta Valley Torrette Superior 2018
This family business also produces apples and raises cattle. This red contains mostly Petit Rouge with a bit of Fumin. It has aromas of red fruit and spices and a fresh, salty elegant taste. Pair with a roast and potatoes. website
Grosjean Arvine Vigna Rovettaz Aosta Valley Petite 2019
Although the vine originates from neighboring Switzerland, it has long since well acclimatized to the Aosta Valley. This good white structure is expressed with aromas of citrus and mountain herbs and an acid-savory character that encourages drinking. Pair with rainbow trout. website
Les Crêtes Aosta Valley Fumin 2018
Among the region's most characteristic wines, this elegant red ages well. It has an intense color, and aromas of red fruit, spices, and leather as well as a fresh and fragrant flavor. Pair with grilled meat. website
La Vrille Valle d'Aosta Chambave Muscat Flétri 2018
This passito has an intense golden yellow color and floral, fruity and balsamic herbs aromas such as thyme and sage. It's full, warm, and soft on the palate, with a honeyed finish and nice acidity. With Valdostane tegole, cookies with an almond flour base. website
Cover photo: The highest vineyards in continental Europe. In Morgex, under the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Credit: Getty Images