Valle d'Aosta Flashcards
What is unique about Valle D’Aosta?
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.
What is tourism’s central role in Valle d’Aosta’s local wine industry?
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.
Why is Valle d’Aosta one of the least known wine regions of Italy?
Few wines reach the export market due to small levels of production.
How long has the vine been cultivated in Valle d’Aosta?
Since 400BC.
When did the vine gain agricultural importance in Valle d’Aosta?
When the Romans founded Augusta Praetoria, the modern-day capital city of Aosta, in 25BC.
What was the goal of the Romans in holding the land of Valle d’Aosta?
For Rome to control the region’s mountain passes.
What influence did the Roman’s have on the indigenous population?
They led to the latinization of local people and increased the central role of the vine in the local economy.
When was the area absorbed into the Frankish Kingdom?
During the 6th century. The local language transitioned from Latin to a French-Provencal dialect still spoken today.
What influence did the Franks have in Valle d’Aosta?
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.
When did Valle d’Aosta come under the control of the House of Savoy?
In the 11th century. Although, Valle d’Aosta maintained a certain degree of autonomy under Savoyard rule.
In an abrupt political realignment, which Kingdoms was Valle d’Aosta incorporated into?
First it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sardinia and then included in the newly formed Kingdom of Italy (1861).
What part did the National Fascist Party play with Valle d’Aosta in the 1920s?
They instituted a forced Italianization program, despite the independence of Valle d’Aosta and the French language being deep-seated.
When did Valle d’Aosta finally become recognized as an autonomous region?
After WWII, Italy became a republic and granted Valle d’Aosta a special autonomous status out of consideration for its strong identity and heritage.
What are the official languages of Valle d’Aosta?
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.
What is Valle d’Aosta name in French?
Vallee d’Aoste
Describe Valle d’Aosta’s geographical/topographical location.
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.
Valle d’Aosta is hemmed by some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Which peak is the most notable?
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.
What is Monte Bianco’s french name?
Mont Blanc
How high is Monte Bianco?
Monte Bianco reaches an elevation of 15,780ft/4,810m. The highest peak in the Alps.
Where does Valle d’Aosta get its name?
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.
What is the principal river of the d’Aosta valley?
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.
What three portions has the Aosta Valley traditionally been divided into?
-The Upper Valley (Alta Valle or Valdigne)
-The Central Valley (Valle Centrale)
-The Lower Valley (Bassa Valle)
Describe the Upper Valley of Valle d’Aosta.
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.
Describe the Central Valley of Valle d’Aosta.
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.
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.
Name the main towns located in the Upper Valley.
-Morgex
-La Salle
Name the main towns located in the Central Valley.
-Chambave
-Nus
-Arvier
Name the main towns located in the Lower Valley.
-Donnas
-Arnad
-Montjovet
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.
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.
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.
Describe the spring season in Valle d’Aosta.
Cool, sunny and relatively wet.
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.
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.
Describe the winter season in Valle d’Aosta.
Long, cold and harsh with ample snow.
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
What human-made feature is necessary for vines to grow on steep slopes in Valle d’Aosta?
Terraces supported by dry-stone retaining walls.
How much land area is taken for vineyards
Almost 1,200ac/500ha.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
