Aosta Valley

Although Aosta Valley is the smallest Italian region, interesting and high-quality wines are produced here, combining French style and mountain viticulture techniques. Vines have been cultivated 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 provide ideal conditions for the ripening of local varieties such as Fumin or Cornalin, the originally Swiss variety Petite Arvine, as well as international ones like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot or Syrah.

A total of five hundred hectares of Aosta Valley vineyards are found in three wine-growing areas: Alta Valle is the highest wine-growing area in Europe and is renowned mainly for its 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.