Aosta Valley

Although Aosta Valley is the smallest Italian region, interesting and very high-quality wines are produced here, combining French style and mountain viticulture techniques. Grapevines have been grown in the Aosta Valley since the times of the ancient Romans, and it is no wonder. The high mountains surrounding the valley contribute to significant temperature differences between day and night, and together with the small amount of precipitation and dry air, they represent ideal conditions for the ripening of mainly local varieties such as Fumin or Cornalin, the originally Swiss variety Petite Arvine, but also international ones like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, or Syrah.

A total of five hundred hectares of Aosta Valley vineyards are located in three wine-growing areas: Alta Valle is the highest wine-growing area in Europe and is famous especially for sparkling wines; in the central part of the valley, Valle Centrale, both white and red varieties thrive; and in the lowest part, Bassa Valle, Nebbiolo is also successfully grown. The only Aosta Valley appellation is Valle d'Aosta DOC.