Valle d'Aosta

Question 1

Whats unique about Valle d’Aosta

Answer 1

It’s the smallest and least populous region

Question 2

Where is Valle d’Aosta located, and what is its climate like?

Answer 2

Nestled in the western Alps, it has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, hot summers

Question 3

How does Valle d’Aosta rank in terms of wine production volume among Italy’s regions?

Answer 3

It ranks last among Italy’s twenty regions

Question 4

Where are Valle d’Aosta’s vineyards primarily concentrated?

Answer 4

In a narrow band of land carved out by the Dora Baltea River

Question 5

What is the sole DOC zone in Valle d’Aosta, and how many sub-appellations does it have?

Answer 5

Valle d’Aosta DOC, with seven sub-appellations

Question 6

Name the seven sub-appellations of Valle d’Aosta DOC

Answer 6

Arnad-Montjovet, Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, Chambave, Donnas, Enfer d’Arvier, Nus, and Torrette

Question 7

Which grape is primary in the wines of Torrette, Chambave, and Enfer d’Arvier?

Answer 7

Petit Rouge

Question 8

What is Picotendro, and where is it used in Valle d’Aosta?

Answer 8

Picotendro is a local synonym for Nebbiolo, used in the red blends of Donnas and Arnad-Montjovet

Question 9

What grape is responsible for the still and sparkling wines of La Salle, and where is it grown?

Answer 9

Blanc de Morgex, or Prié, grown on the slopes of Mont Blanc at one of Europe’s highest vineyard elevations

Question 10

Can Valle d’Aosta DOC wines be labeled as varietal wines, and if so, name some authorized varieties?

Answer 10

Yes, examples include Petite Arvine, Gamay, Petit Rouge, Fumin, and Premetta (usually bottled as rosé)