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Valle d'Aosta Flashcards

1
Q

What is unique about Valle D’Aosta?

A

It is the smallest region in Italy with the lowest population. It produces the smallest amount of wine. And it is the only French speaking area in Italy due to Frankish domination during the Dark Ages.

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2
Q

What is tourism’s central role in Valle d’Aosta’s local wine industry?

A

Valle d’Aosta’s small yet high-quality wine production is mainly consumed by visitors who visit to enjoy the renowned ski slopes and hiking trails.

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3
Q

Why is Valle d’Aosta one of the least known wine regions of Italy?

A

Few wines reach the export market due to small levels of production.

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4
Q

How long has the vine been cultivated in Valle d’Aosta?

A

Since 400BC.

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5
Q

When did the vine gain agricultural importance in Valle d’Aosta?

A

When the Romans founded Augusta Praetoria, the modern-day capital city of Aosta, in 25BC.

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6
Q

What was the goal of the Romans in holding the land of Valle d’Aosta?

A

For Rome to control the region’s mountain passes.

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7
Q

What influence did the Roman’s have on the indigenous population?

A

They led to the latinization of local people and increased the central role of the vine in the local economy.

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8
Q

When was the area absorbed into the Frankish Kingdom?

A

During the 6th century. The local language transitioned from Latin to a French-Provencal dialect still spoken today.

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9
Q

What influence did the Franks have in Valle d’Aosta?

A

The Franks not only influenced the language and culture, but also viticulture. Gamay and Pinot Noir were introduced and are still grown in Valle d’Aosta, although they currently play minor roles.

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10
Q

When did Valle d’Aosta come under the control of the House of Savoy?

A

In the 11th century. Although, Valle d’Aosta maintained a certain degree of autonomy under Savoyard rule.

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11
Q

In an abrupt political realignment, which Kingdoms was Valle d’Aosta incorporated into?

A

First it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia and then included in the newly formed Kingdom of Italy (1861).

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12
Q

What part did the National Fascist Party play with Valle d’Aosta in the 1920s?

A

They instituted a forced Italianization program, despite the independence of Valle d’Aosta and the French language being deep-seated.

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13
Q

When did Valle d’Aosta finally become recognized as an autonomous region?

A

After WWII, Italy became a republic and granted Valle d’Aosta a special autonomous status out of consideration for its strong identity and heritage.

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14
Q

What are the official languages of Valle d’Aosta?

A

Italian and French. Both are widely spoken. Italian is more common in everyday life, while French is found more often in individual surnames and in place names. Wines are often labeled with French terms and wineries have French names.

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15
Q

What is Valle d’Aosta name in French?

A

Vallee d’Aoste

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16
Q

Describe Valle d’Aosta’s geographical/topographical location.

A

Valle d’Aosta is a completely mountainous region in the northwest corner of Italy in the Italian Alps. Switzerland forms its northern border. France forms it western border. Piemonte lies to the east and South.

The rugged alpine landscape was formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age (2 million-10,000 years ago). 4% of Valle d’Aosta’s total surface is still covered by glaciers.

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17
Q

Valle d’Aosta is hemmed by some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Which peak is the most notable?

A

Monte Bianco, located on the western border with France.

More than 60% of the region is above 6,900ft/2,100m and snow covers most of the region for almost half of the year.

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18
Q

What is Monte Bianco’s french name?

A

Mont Blanc

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19
Q

How high is Monte Bianco?

A

Monte Bianco reaches an elevation of 15,780ft/4,810m. The highest peak in the Alps.

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20
Q

Where does Valle d’Aosta get its name?

A

From the main valley (d’Aosta) which traverses the region for 50miles/80km. This area represents the heart of the region and is where all major towns are located.

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21
Q

What is the principal river of the d’Aosta valley?

A

The principal river is the Dora Baltea, which descends from Monte Bianco on the western border, flows along the valley heading east, then turns south near the town of Saint-Vincent to enter Piemonte on Valle d’Aosta’s southeastern side.

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22
Q

What three portions has the Aosta Valley traditionally been divided into?

A

-The Upper Valley (Alta Valle or Valdigne)
-The Central Valley (Valle Centrale)
-The Lower Valley (Bassa Valle)

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23
Q

Describe the Upper Valley of Valle d’Aosta.

A

The Upper Valley covers the western part of the Aosta valley. This is the coldest and driest area in the whole of Valle d’Aosta.

Small, terraced vineyards on very steep slopes lie at 2,600-3,900ft/800-1,200m in elevation along the north bank of the Dora Baltea.

Main towns: Morgex, La Salle.

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24
Q

Describe the Central Valley of Valle d’Aosta.

A

The Central Valley, around the city of Aosta, lies in the central portion of the valley. Vineyards are found on gentler slopes at 1,640-2,300ft/500-700m in altitude, mainly positioned on the northern bank of the river. This area accounts for the majority of Valle d’Aosta’s production, which is crafted from the red varieties of Petit Rouge, Premetta and Fumin.

Main towns: Chambave, Nus, Arvier.

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25
Describe the Lower Valley of Valle d'Aosta.
The Lower Valley is the eastern portion and runs south-east. This is the warmest and wettest part of the region. Vineyards are planted on both sides of the Dora Baltea at 990-1,300ft/300-400m. Red varieties account for the majority of plantings, in particular Nebbiolo. Main towns: Donnas, Arnad, Montjovet.
26
Name the main towns located in the Upper Valley.
-Morgex -La Salle
27
Name the main towns located in the Central Valley.
-Chambave -Nus -Arvier
28
Name the main towns located in the Lower Valley.
-Donnas -Arnad -Montjovet
29
What is the climate of Valle d'Aosta?
Continental with alpine influences. Winters are long and cold and summers are short and warm. More severe weather conditions exist in the western section of the region because of its high altitude. The central and southeastern sections of the region, which are of lower altitude, have a comparatively milder climate. The average temperature is 51F/10.5C.
30
How do the Alps affect weather patterns in Valle d'Aosta?
The humid west winds are blocked by the French Alps on the western border. The area falls in a rain shadow and therefore possesses a drier and colder climate than it would have otherwise. Precipitation levels are some of the lowest in the Alps with approx. 20in/500mm per year in the area hugging the mountains (western area). Rainfall increases moving east; the southeast sector receives approx. 32in/800mm. The high mountains block the clouds so the area enjoys 2,200 hours of sunshine per year.
31
What benefits do the grapes in Valle d'Aosta reap with cool-to-cold night temperatures and and sunny conditions?
During the summer the sunny conditions allow the grapes to ripen and the cool-to-cold nights provide a wide diurnal temperature swing that preserves the grapes' natural high levels of acidity.
32
Describe the spring season in Valle d'Aosta.
Cool, sunny and relatively wet.
33
Describe the summer season in Valle d'Aosta.
Dry, sunny and warm. Although there is plenty of sunshine, temperatures drop quickly around the middle of September, slowing the ripening process.
34
Describe the autumn season in Valle d'Aosta.
Arrives early and are cold and relatively wet. Growers often pull leaves to increase sun exposure to the fruit as of the mid-to-end of September.
35
Describe the winter season in Valle d'Aosta.
Long, cold and harsh with ample snow.
36
Where are the majority of vineyards planted in Valle d'Aosta?
On slopes in a narrow band along the Aosta Valley on the northern (southern-facing) bank of the Dora Baltea. -60% planted on steep slopes -35% planted on moderately steep slopes -5% planted on the flat valley floor
37
What human-made feature is necessary for vines to grow on steep slopes in Valle d'Aosta?
Terraces supported by dry-stone retaining walls.
38
How much land area is taken for vineyards
Almost 1,200ac/500ha.
39
How are vines managed and harvested in Valle d'Aosta?
The steepest inclines have stacked and narrow terraces that make viticulture very hard and labor intensive; mechanization is not possible. Vineyard holdings are not contiguous, so people spend the day climbing both vertically and horizontally among those terraces to tend the vines.
40
What is the soil composition in Valle d'Aosta?
The slopes have shallow soils with moderate to low water retention and comprise limestone or schist. The valley floor is alluvial with a high proportion of gravel.
41
How many totally unique and indigenous grape varieties still grow in Valle d'Aosta?
More than 10. Although many varieties were lost at the end of the 19th century due to phylloxera.
42
What is the Institut Agricole Regional (Regional Agricultural Institute)?
An organization that has played an essential role in the identification, research and preservation of Valle d'Aosta's viticultural heritage since the 1960s.
43
Despite its cold climate, red varieties account for what percentage of the vineyard plantings?
80% Note: most of these are hardy and cold-resistant. The hot, sunny conditions during summer allow them to achieve ripeness.
44
Which red grape varieties dominate in vineyard plantings?
-Petit Rouge -Nebbiolo (only planted on well-exposed sites, sheltered from wind due to its late-ripening)
45
What are the dominant white grape varieties in Valle d'Aosta?
-Prie Blanc -Petite Arvine -Moscato Bianco -Pinot Gris -Chardonnay
46
What are the traditional white grape varieties?
-Prie Blanc (Blanc de Morgex) -Moscato Bianco -Petite Arvine -Malvoisie
47
Which is Valle d'Aosta's only native white variety?
Prie Blanc and it is the most widely planted white grape. -mentioned in official documents since 1691 -predominantly found in Monte Bianco foothills of Upper Valley in sub-zone of Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, planted on small terraces between 2,600-3,900ft/800-1,200m in elevation. The south-facing slopes are critical in achieving ripeness. (most varieties cannot survive such altitude. Neither can phylloxera, and vines are ungrafted.)
48
Describe the characteristics of Prie Blanc.
It is very pale in color, light-bodied, with steely acidity and strong minerality. With aromas of white flowers, green apple, mountain hay and herbs.
49
Moscato Bianco is the Italian name for which grape variety?
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains; it is used for both aromatic dry and sweet styles. Its traditional home in Valle d'Aosta is the sub-zone of Chambave.
50
Where did the white grape variety Petite Arvine originate?
Petite Arvine originated in the Valais of Switzerland, but is considered a traditional grape of Valle d'Aosta.
51
What are the characteristics of Petite Arvine?
Wines are straw-yellow with high acidity, high extract and high alcohol. Look for floral notes and aromas of grapefruit, pear and exotic fruit with a saline finish. It is suitable for late-harvest and can age well.
52
Malvoisie is another name for which white grape variety?
Pinot Grigio It is used to produce fragrant, single-varietal dry and sweet late-harvest or passito wines. It can be labeled as Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris.
53
Which international white varieties are permitted and produced in Valle d'Aosta?
-Chardonnay -Muller Thurgau -Pinot Bianco -Gewurztraminer
54
Which international white varieties show particularly great potential in the cool climate of Valle d'Aosta?
-Muller Thurgau -Chardonnay Producing wines with crisp acidity and mineral character.
55
What are the red varieties native to Valle d'Aosta?
-Petit Rouge (Picciourouzo) -Fumin -Prie Rouge (Premetta) -Cornalin -Vien de Nus -Mayolet -Vuillermin -Gamaret -Neyret
56
Which indigenous variety is one of the oldest and most widely planted varieties in Valle d'Aosta?
Petit Rouge (Picciourouzo to the locals); it is the main component in the reds of the Central Valley sub-zones of Torrette, Enfer d'Arvier and Chambave.
57
What are the characteristics of Petit Rouge?
Dark, medium-bodied with good acidity and aromas of red flowers, fresh red fruit, almonds and spice.
58
Where in Valle d'Aosta is Nebbiolo planted?
Nebbiolo is a traditional variety of the Lower Valley in the subzones Donnas and Arnad-Montjovet. Due to cooler conditions, these wines are paler and less structured than typical Nebbiolos from Piemonte, but still show the rose and tar finesse - without the Piemontese power.
59
What do the locals call Nebbiolo?
Picotendro
60
Is Fumin used as a blending partner or to produce single varietals?
Traditionally, this native variety was used as a blending partner to add colour and body. Now, it is increasingly produced as a single varietal.
61
What are the characteristics of Fumin?
Wines are deep ruby, full-bodied, and are high in acidity and tannin, with aromas of red fruit, herbs, pepper and sweet spice. Due to its structure, Fumin produces long-lived wines that benefit from small oak barrel maturation. They are best consumed after a few years of bottle age when they develop intriguing balsamic notes.
62
Where is Fumin mainly grown?
Central Valley
63
Prie Rouge is its official name, but what is this grape variety more commonly called?
Premetta
64
What are Prie Rouge's origins?
It is a natural cross of Prie Blanc and an unknown parent and is native to Valle d'Aosta.
65
Where is Prie Rouge principally grown?
Around St-Piere and Aymavilles in the Central Valley.
66
What style of wine does Prie Rouge produce?
A "natural" rosato wine due to its very thin skin and light tannins. It has medium acidity with aromas of rose, fresh strawberry and sweet spice.
67
Which red varieties are permitted and used as minor blending partners?
-Barbera -Dolcetto -Freisa
68
Which international red varieties are permitted and are produced as single varietals or as blending partners?
-Pinot Nero -Gamay -Merlot -Syrah Note: these have adapted well to the climate of the Central and Lower Valleys (particularly Pinot Nero & Gamay)
69
What are the most widely planted grapes in Valle d'Aosta and their percentage of plantings?
1) Petit Rouge (16%) 2) Nebbiolo (9%) 3) Prie Blanc (7%) 4) Pinot Nero (7%) 5) Fumin (5%) 6) Moscato Bianco (4%) 7) Chardonnay (4%) 8) Petite Arvine (3%) * Others (45%)
70
What is the traditional vine training system in Valle d'Aosta?
Pergola; its design is optimal to catch the maximum amount of sunlight.
71
Describe the vine training system used in the colder, higher Upper Valley.
The pergola system is used and is trained 3ft/1m off the ground and supported by slate stones. Relatively close to the ground, this height maximizes heat and reflected sunlight. The stone supports absorb and release heat and also withstand the weight of the winter snow.
72
Described the vine training system in the Lower Valley.
In the Lower Valley, where the weather is less severe than the Upper Valley, the pergola is 10ft/3m in height with wood supports. Some new vineyards at lower altitudes are Guyot-trained. Some Moscato vineyards are bush-trained.
73
What feature of Valle d'Aosta strongly affects the choice of which grape variety to plant?
The altitude of the vineyard site. Higher altitudes require earlier-ripening varieties and sites with better sun exposure. The majority of the varieties grown in Valle d'Aosta are hardy and cold-resistant; more tender varieties need lower-altitude sites and even better sun exposure in order to survive.
74
What are the common characteristics across all wines produced in Valle d'Aosta, despite having a wide range of grapes and variation in vineyard elevations?
Due to the short summers and the comparatively high altitude, wines tend to be light and show vibrant fresh fruit and high acidity.
75
What are the usual characteristics of red wines from Valle d'Aosta?
Fruity and often spicy. They are light- to medium-bodied are moderate to firm in tannin with bright acidity.
76
What is the required maturation period for red wines in Valle d'Aosta under DOC rules?
Minimum five months maturation in bottle or any type of vessel before release.
77
What are the usual characteristics of white wines from Valle d'Aosta?
Juicy, floral and fruity, high in acid, moderate in alcohol and often possess a marked mineral character.
78
What is the minimum ageing requirement for white wines in Valle d'Aosta under the DOC?
There are none.
79
What styles of sweet wines are produced in Valle d'Aosta?
-Late-harvest: made from overripe grapes (labeled Vendemmia Tardiva or Vendange Tardive) -Passito: made from air-dried grapes (labeled as Fletri or Passito) Note: Pinot Grigio and Moscato Bianco are the main varieties used for these styles
80
What are the characteristics of sweet wines produced in Valle d'Aosta?
These wines are complex with dried fruit, stone fruit and honey notes. Sweetness is balanced by a refreshing acidity and minerality.
81
What grape variety comprises the majority of sparkling wine in Valle d'Aosta?
Prie Blanc; wines are produced in very small quantities. They are labeled as Spumante or Mousseux.
82
What method is most widely used for sparkling production in Valle d'Aosta?
Traditional method.
83
Valle d'Aosta is one of the very few places in Italy where tiny quantities of which sweet wine are made?
Ice Wine made from Prie Blanc
84
Which sub-zone in Valle d'Aosta was the first to be approved for DOC status?
Donnas DOC (1971) It was followed by the Enfer d'Arvier DOC (1972).
85
When was a single regional DOC introduced for Valle d'Aosta DOC (Vallee dAoste DOC) in order to cover all the relevant winegrowing areas?
1985 The Donna's and Enfer d'Arvier became sub-zones of the newly created regional DOC. Simultaneously, five more sub-zones were introduced. Each sub-zone has its own varieties, rules and wine styles.
86
What are the production rates of DOC compared to IGP and generic wine in Valle d'Aosta?
Today the Valle d'Aosta DOC accounts for more than 80% of total production. There is no IGP. The remaining 20% is produced as generic wine.
87
Where is the Donnas sub-zone located?
The Donnas sub-zone centers around the Lower Valley town of Donnas.
88
What style of wine does the sub-zone Donnas produce?
It produces a red wine made from at least 85% Nebbiolo (Picotendro). It is considered to be the most prestigious of the Nebbiolo-based sub-zone and is often described as the "mountain brother of Barolo."
89
What is the aging requirement for Nebbiolo-based wines in the Donnas DOC?
These wines have the longest aging requirements in Valle d'Aosta: a minimum 24 months with at least 10 months in oak.
90
Where is the sub-zone Arnad-Montjovet located?
The Arnad-Montjovet sub-zone lies between the Lower Valley towns of Montjovet and Arnad.
91
What style of wine is produced in Arnad-Montjovet?
A red wine made from at least 70% Nebbiolo.
92
Where is the sub-zone Chambave located?
The Chambave sub-zone is located around the town of Chambave in the Central Valley.
93
What styles of wine are produced in Chambave?
1) a red made from at least 70% Petit Rouge (Chambave) 2) a dry aromatic white wine made from Moscato Bianco (Chambave Moscato or Muscat) 3) a sweet, long-lived white passito made from air-dried Moscato Bianco (Chambave Moscato Passito or Muscat Fletri).
94
Where is the Nus sub-zone located?
The Nus sub-zone is located around the town of Nus in the Central Valley.
95
What styles of wine are produced in the Nus?
1) a red made from a blend of at least 70% Vien de Nus and Petit Rouge (Nus) 2) a dry aromatic white made from Pinot Grigio (Nus Malvoisie) 3) a sweet white passito made from air-dried Pinot Grigio (Nus Malvoisie Passito or Fletri)
96
Where is the Torrette sub-zone located?
The Torrette sub-zone is located around Aosta in the Central Valley. This is the largest of the sub-zones and accounts for the majority of the production in the Valle d'Aosta.
97
What style of wine is produced in Torrette?
A red wine made from at least 70% Petit Rouge.
98
Where is the sub-region Enfer d'Arvier located?
The Enfer d'Arvier sub-zone is located arount the Central Valley town of Arvier to the west of Aosta. The name Enfer (hell) comes from the fact that the vineyards are planted in a natural amphitheater which serves as a heat trap.
99
What style of wine is produced in Enfer d'Arvier?
A red wine made from at least 85% Petit Rouge.
100
Where is the sub-region Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle located?
The Blanc de Morge et de La Salle sub-zone covers the areas around the towns of Morgex and La Salle in the Upper Valley.
101
What style of wine is produced in Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle?
It produces a dry white wine made entirely from ungrafted Prie Blanc vines on some of the highest vineyards in Europe (up to 3,900ft/1,200m altitude). The wines are light, floral and high in acid with notes of mountain herbs and hay. A small quantity of traditional method sparkling wine is also produced.
102
In the 1960s, the Valle d'Aosta wine industry was not strong enough for grape growers to make a living. What did regional authorities do to remedy this?
They supported the creation of a few cooperatives that focused on vinifying quality grape varieties - be they native or international. Their combined production accounts for three-quarters of all the wine made in Valle d'Aosta and quality is high.
103
What is Viticulteurs Encaveurs?
It is a quality-minded association formed by an increasing number of growers who started to bottle their own wine since the 1980s. Some of the most interesting wine produced today hails from growers who belong to this association.
104
Despite a focused effort to grow the wine industry over the past many decades, how does the average vineyard holding in Valle d'Aosta compare to the rest of Italy?
The average vineyard holding in Valle d'Aosta remains the smallest in Italy, with half of the growers owning less than 2.5ac/1ha.
105
What name appears on the label of all DOC wines in Valle d'Aosta?
Valle d'Aosta
106
How are wines with Generic designation Valle d'Aosta DOC for basic red/white/rose wines labeled?
Generic designation Valle d'Aosta DOC for basic red/white/rose: -Valle d'Aosta Rosso DOC (Rouge) -Valle d'Aosta Bianco DOC (Blanc) -Valle d'Aosta Rosato DOC (Rose) Note: Made from any of the authorized varieties from any area within the DOC
107
How are sub-zone DOC wines labeled?
Valle d'Aosta + subzone: the Valle d'Aosta DOC designation followered by the sub-zone name. e.g. Valle d'Aosta DOC Donnas
108
How are single varietal DOC wines labeled?
Single varietal: the Valle d'Aosta DOC designation followed by a specific grape variety, e.g. Valle d'Aosta DOC Petite Arvine.

Italian Wine Scholar: Northern Italy (21 decks)

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